Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, February 19, 2025 Members of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) were seen digging a mass grave at Musigoko Cemetery to bury the bodies of those killed in recent clashes between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). The violence, which erupted in eastern DRC, has left communities reeling as humanitarian organizations work to manage the aftermath.

Geneva, February 24, 2025 Fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed approximately 7,000 lives since January, with both combatants and civilians among the dead, DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa revealed during a high-level meeting of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday. The escalating conflict, primarily driven by the M23 rebel group, has also left an estimated 450,000 people without shelter following the destruction of 90 displacement camps.

Addressing the Council, Suminwa disclosed that around 3,000 deaths were reported in Goma, a strategic city that, along with Bukavu, has fallen into M23’s control. The rebel group’s offensive has not only resulted in devastating human casualties but also led to the capture of valuable mineral-rich territories. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels with arms and troops, a charge echoed by the United Nations and several Western powers allegations that Kigali firmly denies.

The current violence marks a significant escalation in a long-standing conflict in eastern Congo, rooted in power struggles, identity politics, and competition for natural resources. The unrest dates back to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in the 1990s, when millions of Rwandan refugees flooded into the DRC, contributing to the region’s volatility.

Prime Minister Suminwa issued a passionate appeal to the international community, urging swift action and the imposition of “dissuasive sanctions” on Rwanda. She painted a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, where mass displacements, summary executions, and widespread destruction have become daily realities.

“It is impossible to describe the screams and cries of millions of victims of this conflict,” Suminwa lamented, emphasizing the need for decisive intervention to prevent further loss of life and stability in the region.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who also attended the Geneva meeting, underscored the broader implications of the crisis, warning that human rights worldwide were being “suffocated.” He referenced the “horrifying abuses” occurring in the DRC and called for heightened international attention to address the crisis.

In a press briefing following her Council address, Suminwa stressed that the failure to resolve the issue of territorial integrity could lead to a dangerous deterioration of the situation. She expressed concern that the escalating conflict, involving not only M23 but also other armed groups, could spill over into neighboring countries, threatening regional stability.

The United Nations estimates that around 40,000 people have fled to Burundi in the past two weeks alone, seeking refuge from the violence. Burundi, which shares a border with the DRC, is one of nine countries potentially at risk of destabilization if the conflict continues unchecked.

As international actors deliberate potential responses, the situation on the ground remains dire. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to provide aid to displaced populations, while diplomatic efforts to mediate a ceasefire and political resolution have yet to yield tangible results.

With the humanitarian crisis deepening and the potential for broader regional impacts growing, Prime Minister Suminwa’s plea for global intervention may prove critical in galvanizing the international community to act before the conflict spirals further out of control.