Red Cross alarmed by civilian killings in eastern DR Congo

DOUALA, Cameroon / ISTANBUL

The International Committee of Red Cross on Tuesday expressed concerns over civilian deaths and injuries in the ongoing conflict between Democratic Republic of Congo forces and M23 rebels within and around the eastern city of Goma.

In a statement, the Red Cross reported a "large influx of gunshot and explosion victims into ICRC-supported facilities, including the CBCA Ndosho hospital in Goma."

Since early January, the ICRC treated over 600 wounded, nearly half of whom were civilians, including many women and children, it added.

“Despite intense fighting and continued bombardment, ICRC surgical teams are still managing to treat the victims who continue to arrive in their dozens,” the humanitarian group said.

“The security situation is deteriorating in Sake, near Goma. Our medical teams at the CBCA Ndosho hospital are facing a massive influx of wounded," said Myriam Favier, head of the Red Cross sub-delegation in North Kivu province.

She explained that the wounded are transported by motorbike, buses, or with the help of Congolese Red Cross volunteers.

"Civilians arrive seriously wounded by bullets or shrapnel. The entire hospital is mobilized and the three surgical teams are working tirelessly to care for patients who sometimes wait lying on the floor due to lack of space," she added.

The situation in eastern Congo is deteriorating, with at least 17 South African, Ugandan, and UN peacekeepers killed in clashes with M23 rebels on Monday.

Earlier on Monday, M23 rebels, who are allegedly backed by Rwanda, claimed to have taken control of eastern Goma city, while Kinshasa claimed Rwandan forces were present.

So far, at least 25 people have been killed in Goma and nine in Rwanda. Hundreds have been injured in the ongoing clashes.

Locals say both government forces and rebels control parts of the city of 3 million people, including internally displaced persons.