More than 700 people have died, and 2,800 have been injured in recent fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's eastern region. Between January 26 and 30, intense clashes between the government forces and the AFC/M23 rebel coalition led to the rebels gaining control of Goma, North Kivu province's largest city. The situation has escalated into a humanitarian crisis, with access to safe drinking water being cut off in Goma, forcing residents to use untreated water from Lake Kivu.
President Felix Tshisekedi has promised a "vigorous and coordinated response" against the rebel alliance. He expressed concerns over the rapid movement of rebel groups, which are now positioned about 60 kilometers north of Bakavu, another major city. Despite the government's accusations of Rwanda backing the M23 rebels, there has been no official confirmation regarding the rebels' control over Goma, though it is acknowledged that the city is under siege.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that civilians in Goma are at risk of disease due to unsafe water consumption.
"Forcing people to use untreated water from Lake Kivu with all the risk that entails," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General.
Furthermore, humanitarian organizations in Goma are grappling with widespread looting amid the chaos.
"Humanitarian organizations in Goma continue to assess the impact of the crisis including the widespread looting of warehouses and the offices of aid organizations," noted Stephane Dujarric.
The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, described the situation in Goma as "tense," marked by "occasional shooting," though he added that "overall calm is gradually restored." Despite this statement, experts caution that the ongoing conflict could exacerbate existing shortages of basic necessities and potentially lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
"Without urgent action OCHA cautions the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks will just continue to increase," warned Stephane Dujarric.
The UN Secretary-General's office anticipates that casualty figures will likely rise as assessments continue.
