The humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached alarming levels, with approximately 400,000 individuals displaced since the beginning of the year. The M23 rebel group has continued its advance, surrounding the city of Goma, leading to intense clashes that have resulted in numerous fatalities, including members of United Nations peacekeeping forces. The civilian population is facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical care. ### Current Situation In recent days, the situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated significantly. Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, is now besieged by M23 militants, while heavy fighting has erupted in the nearby town of Sake. Reports indicate that many have lost their lives in the ongoing skirmishes, with 13 international peacekeeping soldiers among the casualties. The M23, reportedly backed by neighboring Rwanda, has gained control of strategic locations including Minova. Sake serves as a critical barrier before Goma, having briefly fallen under M23 control before being retaken by Congolese forces. As artillery fire echoes in the outskirts of Goma, hundreds of injured civilians are being transported to the city's main hospital, which is overwhelmed with patients. UN peacekeepers, in coordination with the Congolese military, are actively patrolling to protect civilians caught in the crossfire. An elite unit of UN soldiers has reportedly been engaged in intense combat against the insurgents. In response to the escalating violence, the Congolese government has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, recalling its diplomats and demanding that Rwandan officials cease all diplomatic activities in Kinshasa within 48 hours. ### Historical Context The conflict in eastern DRC is deeply rooted in regional dynamics, particularly the historical relationship with Rwanda, which has been governed by President Paul Kagame for over 25 years. Kagame's administration has faced allegations of political repression and accusations of destabilizing eastern Congo. The M23 group emerged from earlier conflicts, tracing its origins to the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and subsequent wars in the DRC. The region has been marred by violence, particularly between the M23 and the Congolese army. The resurgence of conflict began approximately two and a half years ago when M23 forces started to reclaim significant territory. Previous peace talks mediated by Angola failed in December, resulting in further deterioration of relations between DRC and Rwanda. ### Key Actors Involved The M23, which stands for March 23 Movement, was formed over a decade ago from a faction of the Congolese military. The group claims to advocate for the rights of the Tutsi ethnic group, yet has faced serious accusations of committing atrocities, including murder and mass sexual violence. Observers assert that Rwanda supports the M23, a claim the Rwandan government denies. The Congolese army (FARDC), supported by the UN peacekeeping mission, is engaged in combat against the rebels. Despite a recent decision by the UN Security Council to expedite the withdrawal of peacekeepers at the Congolese government's request, violence continues to escalate in both North Kivu and neighboring South Kivu provinces. ### International Response The United Nations has expressed growing concern over the potential for a broader regional conflict, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning of escalating violence and calling for an immediate halt to hostilities. In a notable shift, a scheduled UN Security Council meeting was advanced due to the urgency of the situation, with non-essential UN personnel being evacuated from Goma to Uganda and Kinshasa. The European Union has condemned Rwanda's military presence in DRC, urging for the cessation of support to the M23. The African Union has also called for an immediate end to the fighting, emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives. Angolan President João Lourenço, acting on behalf of the African Union, condemned the M23's actions as detrimental to regional stability. ### Humanitarian Crisis The recent developments have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in eastern DRC. Human Rights Watch has urged all parties to protect civilians amidst the escalating violence. The ongoing conflict has led to one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, with over seven million displaced, including 2.8 million in North Kivu alone. Since January, the number of internally displaced persons has surged by over 400,000. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has raised alarms over the safety of civilians and the displaced populations, highlighting critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Many individuals are fleeing Goma in fear of further violence, seeking refuge across the border in Rwanda.