30 Jan 2025
“There is an urgent need to address the Goma crisis. The displacement of over one million people in Goma presents a critical challenge to national and regional health security.”
The ongoing crisis in Goma, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has escalated as over one million people have been displaced due to intense fighting. The recent offensive launched by the M23 rebels has exacerbated the situation, with the city, home to around 3 million people, facing significant instability. Concerns over health security are rising as the ongoing conflict threatens to worsen the situation further.
In response, 200 Africa CDC staff have been deployed to provide health relief, working to address the immediate medical needs of those affected. However, the return to normalcy and the restoration of security remain crucial in preventing the spread of diseases that could further impact the region.
Regional leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire, as the violence has already resulted in numerous casualties and injuries. Despite denials from Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the rebels, the situation remains fluid with unclear control over the city and its government institutions, especially given Goma’s proximity to Rwanda. The urgent need for a resolution is critical, not only for the people of Goma but also for the wider region's stability.
The M23 Movement: History, Impact, and the Path Forward in the Democratic Republic of the Congo