The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and volunteers from the Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are working with local authorities to recover bodies following intense clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels in eastern Goma.
In a statement on Tuesday, the ICRC confirmed it had provided body bags, along with technical and logistical support, to ensure the deceased are treated with dignity and properly managed.
Humanitarian Imperative
“Managing dead bodies properly and with dignity, as difficult as that may be, is a humanitarian imperative. It allows for easier identification of the deceased and helps ease the suffering of families searching for answers about their loved ones,” said Myriam Favier, head of the ICRC’s sub-delegation in Goma.
The assistance comes after M23 rebels took control of Goma last week. The Alliance Fleuve Congo, a rebel coalition that includes M23, later declared a ceasefire starting Tuesday, citing humanitarian concerns and accusing the Congolese government of worsening conditions for civilians.
Rising Casualties and Displacement
According to the World Health Organization, more than 900 people have died in Goma over the past two weeks due to the ongoing conflict. At least 20 peacekeepers have also been killed, including 14 from South Africa.
The violence has forced thousands to flee, with many seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda, including UN and World Bank personnel.
Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian office reported that while some parts of the DRC are seeing a return to normalcy, humanitarian efforts remain severely hindered by the continued closure of Goma’s airport. The UN humanitarian coordinator in the country has urged all parties to work toward reopening the facility.
Medical Supplies Looted
In a related development, the ICRC revealed that its warehouse in Goma had been looted, with the equivalent of “20 large 40-foot containers of medicines” stolen. The organization stated on X that restoring the facility would take months and require significant investment.
While waiting for resupply, other humanitarian organizations in Goma are providing support to care for the injured, the ICRC added.