UN says nearly 3000 people killed after rebels seize Goma in DR Congo

Almost 3000 people were killed in the city of Goma in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as the United Nations (UN) says. This was captured by rebels following days of fierce fighting with the army of Congo. A funeral procession in Goma took place in February 4th, 2025 where a man carries a cross during the time of the funeral procession for the dead. Fresh graves have been dug to accommodate victims of recent violence.

“So far 2000 bodies have been collected from the Goma streets in recent days, and 900 bodies also remain in the morgues of the Goma hospitals” said by deputy head of the United Nations (UN), Vivian Van de Pere. She told reporters in a video call from the city of Goma that “We expect this number to go up”, which is home to about 2 million people. Vivian Van de Pere again said “There are still many decomposing bodies in certain areas”

In response to the humanitarian crisis caused by the Kinshasa regime, referring to the DR Congo’s government, the retrieval of the bodies comes after the rebel Coalition, Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) which includes the M23 armed group announced a ceasefire from Tuesday, February 4th. The Dr Congo ‘s government described the ceasefire on Tuesday as “false communication”

Vivian Van de Pere said on Wednesday that the UN hoped the ceasefire would come to a stop, “It appears that is not the case”, with the ongoing fighting reported along a main road toward the south Kivu capital of Bukavu. “Tensions are rising as the M23 moves closer in Bukavu just 5km north of the Goma city” the UN deputy head said.

Vivian Van de Pere said the United emphasized that the United Nation (UN) is “gravely concerned” at losing Bukavu Kavumu airport upon which she said is very critical for ongoing civilian and humanitarian use around South Kivu.

The rebel alliance previously also emphasized that it has “no intention of capturing Bukavu or the other areas”, where many people has displaced from Goma have fled. It then said “However we reiterate our commitment to protecting and defending the civilian population and our positions”. Rebels have also made a string of territorial acquisitions in recent weeks in the nation’s east and the leader of the group has expressed the intention of capturing more cities.

READ: Gunshot In Sweden Results In Multiple Deaths, Here’s What To Know

“ We remain under occupation (in Goma). The escalating violence has led to immense human suffering, displacement and growing humanitarian crisis” as the United Nation (UN) deputy head said again.