The conflict raging in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is spiraling out of control as M23 rebel forces advance toward the key city of Bukavu, exacerbated by rising human rights violations and humanitarian crises. According to reports, more than 700 people lost their lives and approximately 2,800 were injured within just five days between January 26 and 30, 2025, as the government faced intensified assaults from M23, which has already captured Goma.
Civilians are bearing the brunt of this violence, with extensive bombings reported at two internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, underscoring the desperate plight faced by those fleeing conflict. The United Nations Human Rights Council documented harrowing accounts of M23 executions, with 12 killings noted between January 26 and 28. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated, "These executions, along with widespread violence, are adding to the already immense suffering of the population. This escalation risks deepening the already severe human rights abuses." The toll of conflict-related sexual violence looms large, with alarming statistics indicating 52 rapes perpetrated by Congolese troops, including gang rape incidents, alongside another 165 instances during prison breaks. Turk noted, "Conflict-related sexual violence has been a tragic feature of the violence in eastern DRC for many years. This latest escalation only increases the risk for more atrocities."
The humanitarian situation is just as serious. The World Food Programme has voiced serious concerns, stating, "People are really running out of food, clean water, medical supplies, and that's a big concern," reported spokeswoman Shelley Thakral. Thousands of civilians have become refugees, fleeing directly toward Rwanda, with rising fears of disease outbreaks due to the lack of basic resources. During visits to IDP sites near Goma, the UN found operational yet critically strained water and healthcare services; the situation portrays a catastrophic humanitarian reality.
Meanwhile, regional leaders, alarmed by this escalation, are attempting to gather collective responses, as seen with Southern African Development Community (SADC) organizing crisis talks. Zimbabwean President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasized this regional duty: "The peace and security of our region is a shared obligation." The gathering aimed to rebuild and reassess strategies for peace, following the death of 16 soldiers from South Africa and Malawi involved in the peacekeeping mission. This summit hints at growing urgency, as the SADC Mutual Defence Pact stands ready to intervene should attacks on member states become evident.
Underlying tensions persist as accusations fly between countries over military support for opposing factions. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of arming M23 fighters, with Rwandan President Paul Kagame alleging the DRC offers sanctuary to the FDLR, which comprises ex-Hutu militants responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. During recent dialogues within the East African Community, Kagame implied SADC's involvement is far from neutral, characterizing it as "a belligerent force" rather than peacekeepers.
International organizations and analysts are stressing the immediate need for ceasefire and compliance with humanitarian laws. The International Organization for Migration's Director-General, Amy Pope, noted the spiraling conditions: "With the current alarming upsurge in fighting, an already dire situation is rapidly becoming very much worse." The UN continues to call for immediate action, urging all involved parties to halt violence and face accountability for those violating human rights.
Only urgent international and regional pressure can hope to halt the ever-expanding violence and humanitarian catastrophe gripping the DRC. With the safety of countless individuals teetering on the brink and the specter of mass atrocity looming, decisive measures to quell the turmoil are more pressing than ever.