The city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a humanitarian crisis after nearly 3,000 people were killed in a recent battle. The clash involved M23 rebels and Congolese armed forces, resulting in the rebels capturing the city. Humanitarian workers are conducting mass burials amidst challenging conditions. Experts indicate that this level of loss of life in a short time is unprecedented even in a region plagued by decades of violence linked to ethnic tensions and resource conflicts. Concerns grow over potential escalations involving Rwanda and allies.
We have days of mass burials ahead of us, said Myriam Favier, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Goma.
Nearly 3,000 people were killed in Goma last week, according to early estimates provided by the U.N. peacekeeping operation in eastern Congo.
Though most fighting has stopped in Goma in recent days, the city's capture by M23 rebels has raised fears of a broader war between Congo, Rwanda and their respective allies.
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