As a tense ceasefire holds in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), thousands of grieving residents are racing to bury 2,000 bodies from last week’s violent clashes, fearing an outbreak of disease from decaying corpses.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who seized control of the city, declared a ceasefire on Monday, February 5, 2025, but reports of sporadic shooting and looting continued on Tuesday. The situation remains dire, with hospitals overwhelmed, morgues overflowing, and families desperately trying to locate their loved ones.
Devastating Death Toll & Humanitarian Crisis
According to the United Nations, at least 900 civilians have been killed and 3,000 others injured since the fighting escalated in Goma. Government sources say the true number of casualties could be much higher.
“The land where bodies can be buried in Goma is extremely limited. We are in a race against time to prevent a health disaster,” said Myriam Favier, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Goma.
Families in Mourning, Morgues Overflowing
The humanitarian crisis has deepened, with residents witnessing heartbreaking losses.
Julienne Zaina Barabara, a mother from the Katoyi neighborhood, recounted how an explosive hit near her home, killing one of her children and injuring two others.
“We rushed them to the hospital, but one died within three hours. My other child still has shrapnel in his head,” she told reporters.
Ceasefire Holds, But Fear Lingers
While the M23 rebels have halted full-scale combat, residents remain on edge as sporadic gunfire and looting continue in parts of the city. Businesses are cautiously reopening, but thousands remain displaced, many struggling to access food, water, and medical aid.
International Urgency & Calls for Action
With the risk of a cholera outbreak looming due to decaying bodies and poor sanitation, aid organizations are calling for urgent international assistance.
“The international community must act now to prevent a humanitarian disaster,” urged an ICRC official.
The fragile peace in Goma remains tenuous, and with thousands still mourning their loved ones, the scars of this devastating conflict will linger for years.
