In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, at least 773 people were killed over the past week after rebels seized the eastern city of Goma. Another 3,000 people have been wounded in Goma, according to Congo’s Health Ministry. Local health officials say morgues are filled beyond capacity and hospitals are overwhelmed. This is Abdou Rahmane Sidibé, a surgeon with the Red Cross in Goma.
Dr. Abdou Rahmane Sidibé: “We are generally used to treating gunshot wounds. These are entry-exit wounds that reach an organ or a limb. But in recent days, we have received many injuries, not only from bullets, because these are civilians who do not wear bulletproof vests. As a result, we have seen many abdominal injuries. In addition to that, we have received injuries caused by explosive devices. The use of explosives in a populated area has resulted in many injuries. These are complex wounds. The medical care is very difficult and complicated.”
Aid groups warn Goma’s population of more than 2 million people is at risk of “catastrophic” humanitarian consequences. There have also been widespread reports of rape by armed groups against women and girls.
The DRC has called for an arms embargo on Rwanda over its backing of M23 rebels, and for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from the region. The DRC is home to vast reserves of metals and rare minerals, which Rwanda, the U.S., China, Europe and Uganda have all exploited at the expense of the Congolese people.