Goma, DRC – The volatile situation in eastern DRC took a grim turn as heavy fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese government forces engulfed the city of Goma. Amidst the chaos, the Ugandan Embassy, along with embassies from Kenya, Rwanda, France, Belgium, South Africa, and the United States, became the target of angry protests in Kinshasa, the country’s capital. Demonstrators criticized perceived international inaction as the humanitarian crisis in Goma spiraled.
M23 Rebels Claim Control of Goma
On Monday, M23 rebels declared the strategic city of Goma under their control, signaling a major setback for the Congolese army and intensifying an already years-long conflict. The United Nations has previously stated that M23 receives support from neighboring Rwanda—a claim Rwanda denies.
Congolese Rural Development Minister Muhindo Nzangi disputed the rebels’ claims, stating that the Congolese army still controls 80 percent of the city. He added that Rwandan troops, reportedly backing the rebels, were either stationed at Goma’s outskirts or had retreated across the border.
Growing Casualties and Overwhelmed Hospitals
The humanitarian situation in Goma is dire, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties from the clashes. According to Adelheid Marschang, the WHO’s emergency response coordinator for the DRC, “hundreds of people are currently hospitalized, most with gunshot wounds.” Reports indicate at least 17 people were killed on Monday, while civil society organizations estimate 25 fatalities and 375 injuries.
Doctors in Goma are working under immense pressure to treat 367 people wounded in the clashes, including patients with gunshot, mortar, and shrapnel wounds. Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, confirmed reports of heavy small arms and mortar fire in the city. Dead bodies litter the streets, underscoring the severity of the ongoing violence.
Protests and Attacks on Embassies
In Kinshasa, protests erupted as demonstrators condemned international inaction over the escalating crisis. Embassies, including those of Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, were attacked by angry mobs voicing their frustrations. Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, denounced the attacks, describing the protesters as “marauding” and urged the Congolese government to protect diplomatic missions.
The protests also targeted the embassies of Rwanda, France, Belgium, and the United States, reflecting public anger over what many perceive as inadequate global intervention in the conflict.
Worsening Regional Instability
The M23 rebellion, fueled by ethnic tensions and disputes over resources, has long plagued eastern DRC, displacing millions and destabilizing the region. The recent escalation in Goma marks one of the most significant developments in the conflict, raising fears of a wider humanitarian disaster.
Save the Children’s country director, Greg Ramm, highlighted the volatile situation, saying, “While we have reports that neighborhoods are calm, a few minutes later, we hear reports of new shelling.”
International Response Needed
The United Nations and aid agencies have called for immediate international attention to the crisis in Goma. Hospitals urgently require medical supplies and personnel to cope with the influx of patients, while displaced residents need food, shelter, and protection. As fighting continues, the risk of a full-scale humanitarian disaster looms.
The targeting of embassies in Kinshasa underscores the broader frustrations with the perceived inaction of the international community. With lives hanging in the balance, the global response to this crisis will shape the future of peace and stability in the region.
