Mass burial in Goma as conflict toll rises

In the aftermath of intense fighting in eastern Congo, Red Cross workers and health officials have begun mass burials to ease pressure on overwhelmed morgues. At least 773 people have been killed since M23 rebels seized control of Goma, with thousands more wounded and displaced.

As the death toll from the ongoing clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army continues to mount, burial teams in Goma have been working tirelessly through Monday, carefully lowering body bags into freshly dug graves. The operation, part of efforts to manage the growing crisis, comes amid escalating challenges in the region.

Authorities are grappling with the rising number of casualties, with at least 773 confirmed dead and 2,800 wounded, according to the Congolese Health Ministry. Nearly half a million people have been displaced, adding to the immense pressure on local infrastructure and resources.

The International Red Cross and World Health Organization are coordinating relief efforts to ensure dignified burials, while also addressing the looming health risk posed by decomposing bodies. With morgues in Goma at capacity and power outages disrupting refrigeration, the situation is becoming increasingly dire. Scarcity of burial land is further exacerbating the crisis.

Relief organizations continue to sound alarms about the true scale of casualties, as bodies are still being recovered from the ongoing violence. In the face of these challenges, the Congolese government has reiterated its calls for international sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebels. Rwanda has denied these allegations, fueling further tensions in the region.

As the situation unfolds, humanitarian groups are working to mitigate the risk of disease and ensure those affected receive the care they urgently need.