More than 700 people died in fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, bodies littered the streets

(CLO) More than 700 people were killed in fierce fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo this week, with many bodies lying on the streets due to overloaded morgues.

According to the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there are currently 773 bodies in morgues in Goma and surrounding areas, while many more are still scattered on the streets due to overcrowding. The United Nations also confirmed the figure and said about 2,800 people were injured in clashes between January 26 and 30.

The fighting escalated when M23 rebels, a Rwanda-backed rebel force, entered and took control of Goma, eastern Congo's largest city and the capital of North Kivu province, which is rich in gold, coltan and tin.

After capturing Goma, the Tutsi-led armed group continued to advance towards Bukavu but was stopped by the Congolese army and supporting forces from Burundi on January 31.

M23 rebels in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo: MONUSCO

The M23 is well-armed and trained, the most powerful of more than 100 rebel groups operating in Congo's eastern border region. The group is part of a string of Rwandan-backed rebels since the 1994 genocide.

The fighting has left the Congolese army with heavy losses, losing hundreds of soldiers and mercenaries after the fall of Goma. However, government forces have recently retaken several villages in the Kalehe region of South Kivu province.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of the UN peacekeeping force, said the M23 were now about 60km from Bukavu and likely to seize a strategic airport nearby. If that happened, he said, it would be “another major advance” for the rebels.

The capture of Goma has caused a severe humanitarian crisis. The city had been a vital humanitarian hub for millions of people affected by the conflict.

Rose Tchwenko, director of Mercy Corps in Congo, warned that the rebel advance could exacerbate displacement, while humanitarian access is being hampered, leaving many communities stranded without assistance.

M23 has vowed to advance as far as the capital Kinshasa, 1,000 miles to the west. The UN has also condemned the group's atrocities, including "the execution of at least 12 people", the occupation of schools and hospitals, and the conscription of civilians into fighting and forced labor.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters, Sky News)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hon-700-nguoi-chet-trong-chien-su-chdc-congo-thi-the-ngon-ngang-tren-duong-post332675.html