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773 Killed in DR Congo as Fighting with M23 Rebels Escalates

At least 773 people have been killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo amid escalating clashes with M23 rebels.

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773 Killed in DR Congo as Fighting with M23 Rebels Escalates

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing one of its deadliest conflicts in recent history, with at least 773 people killed in the eastern city of Goma and surrounding areas. The M23 rebel group, backed by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), continues its advance, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict.

According to Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, the figures are provisional, and the actual death toll could be much higher due to possible mass graves.

M23 Rebels Advance Towards Bukavu

The M23 rebels, one of over 100 armed groups operating in mineral-rich eastern DRC, seized control of Goma earlier this week and are now advancing towards Bukavu. The United Nations estimates that the group is supported by 4,000 Rwandan troops.

Despite efforts by the Congolese military to push back the rebels, the army has suffered heavy losses, with hundreds of soldiers killed and some foreign mercenaries surrendering to the rebels.

UN Warns of Regional War

The escalating violence has alarmed the United Nations, with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN Peace Operations, warning that the crisis could trigger a wider regional war.

“It is of the utmost importance that all diplomatic efforts should be geared towards bringing about a cessation of hostilities,” Lacroix stated.

India Issues Advisory for Its Citizens

With an estimated 25,000 Indian nationals living in the DRC, including 1,000 in Goma, India has expressed deep concern over the conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that most Indian citizens in Goma have relocated to safer areas.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:

“Our Embassy has issued an advisory and helpline numbers for Indian nationals in need of assistance.”

DRC President Promises “Vigorous” Response

President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. In a late-night address, he promised military action to defend the country’s sovereignty and stop further rebel advances.

Conclusion

The ongoing violence in DR Congo poses a serious threat to regional stability. With fears of a full-scale war, the international community is urging immediate diplomatic intervention. Meanwhile, the DRC government remains committed to a military response against the advancing rebels.