Humanitarian Crisis in Goma: The M23 conflict sparks widespread human rights violations, leaving thousands dead and wounded.
Between January 26 and 31 of this year, the tourist city of Goma endured a horrific ordeal. Fierce clashes between loyalist forces, backed by Wazalendo reservists, and M23/RDF rebels, supported by Rwanda, claimed over 700 lives and left many others critically wounded.
February 5th, 2025. The security situation worsened dramatically following the downfall of Military Governor Major Peter Chirimwami. He was fatally shot on Thursday, January 23, 2025, near the frontline in Mubambiro as intense clashes erupted between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and M23 rebels. His death was officially confirmed by the army on Saturday, January 25. Despite reassurances and calls for calm from authorities, the rebels continued their advance, ultimately capturing Goma, which has remained under their control since January 26, 2025.
The intensity of heavy and light weapon fire between the rebels and loyalist forces has surged, leading to significant casualties. Morgues at several hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed. According to the Provincial Health Division’s report, from January 26 to 31, 2025, the city recorded 700 fatalities and 22,800 injuries.
Bodies of the deceased are being gathered along the roads by Red Cross workers. Notably, along the “Signers” and “Entrée Président” route, passing through Virunga and Katoyi, dozens of soldiers and Wazalendo reservists were found lifeless at Kituku, by the shores of Lake Kivu. Many others are reported injured, some from gunshot wounds or bombings targeting homes during the clashes. Approximately one hundred wounded individuals have been urgently transported to medical centers for immediate treatment.
Our sources report that uncontrolled elements, identifying themselves as “Wazalendo,” have raided several homes (in the Karisimbi, Mugunga, Rusayo neighborhoods, etc.), killing around twenty civilians and injuring several others. Some of the injured, who were treated in hospitals, later succumbed to their wounds. Amid this crisis, the cost of living has been severely impacted, with prices for food and essential goods skyrocketing in small makeshift markets along the avenues. This surge in prices is due to the scarcity of staple products and the limited access to agro-pastoral production areas controlled by the rebels near Goma. For example, a kilogram of potatoes, which previously cost 1,500 FC, now costs 3,000 FC, while a bundle of vegetables that was sold for 2,000 FC is now priced at 6,000 FC.
The entire city is facing a lack of water and electricity, as the facilities supplying these services—Virunga Sarl and Socodés—were severely damaged during the clashes. This has left the population vulnerable to infectious and waterborne diseases. Most residents are resorting to consuming untreated water from reservoirs, exposing themselves to significant health risks. The price of a 20-liter jerrycan of water, which previously cost 100 Congolese francs, has now skyrocketed to 500 Congolese francs. This has created a dire situation, especially for low-income families.
Shops, supermarkets, hardware stores, event venues, and even the DGDA warehouse at the airport have been systematically looted in various parts of Goma, including Katindo, Terminus, and other neighbourhoods.
Internet access has been disrupted since the clashes began, fuelling widespread panic and fear among the population, which has become difficult to contact.
The central prison of Munzenze has been nearly emptied, with approximately 4,400 inmates escaping in a massive and dramatic breakout. A portion of the prison was set ablaze, resulting in the deaths of at least a dozen prisoners, mostly women, along with an infant who was with their incarcerated mother. Hundreds of lifeless bodies were discovered, drowned in blood. This escape poses grave risks for human rights in the city and threatens the safety of human rights defenders, as the offenders are now free and beyond any control. This could trigger vigilante justice and violent reprisals.
This war has also led to a massive displacement of the population. Men, women, and children are spending nights under the open sky. Some have found refuge in churches, parishes, and schools. At present, it is difficult to predict when the city of Goma, which remains under the control of M23/RDF rebels supported by Rwanda, will be liberated. The population appears to be abandoned to its grim fate, facing a dire and precarious humanitarian situation.
Article by Julienne Baseke
Julienne Baseke is a journalist and women’s rights activist in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
She is the coordinator of AFEM, the Association of Women in the Media in her country, founder and director of Mama Radio, a radio project that has given a voice to women in the region, in addition to acting as a peace mediator.