The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is witnessing a major crisis as violent clashes between government forces and the M23 rebel group intensify.
At least 773 people have reportedly lost their lives in Goma and surrounding areas within a week, with authorities fearing the actual death toll may be much higher.
The rebels, reportedly backed by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), have already taken control of the key city of Goma and are now advancing towards Bukavu, escalating tensions further.
The situation remains dire as Congolese officials suspect mass graves may exist in the conflict-hit regions.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya revealed that the rebels had ordered civilians to clear the streets of Goma, making it difficult to assess the full extent of casualties.
The country’s military has suffered heavy losses, with hundreds of soldiers killed, while some foreign mercenaries have surrendered to the rebels.
M23 is one of over a hundred armed groups operating in eastern DRC, a region known for its rich mineral reserves, which are essential for global industries.
According to United Nations experts, the group has received support from approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops. While the Congolese army has made some gains in pushing back the rebels in certain villages, the situation remains highly volatile.
UN and International Concerns
The growing conflict has raised fears of a larger regional crisis. UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix has warned that the violence could trigger widespread instability.
Addressing reporters at the UN Headquarters, he emphasised the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to prevent the situation from escalating further. The UN is calling on all parties involved to work towards an immediate cessation of hostilities.
India has also expressed deep concern over the conflict, particularly as a significant number of Indian nationals reside in the country.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has confirmed that around 25,000 Indian nationals live in the DRC, including approximately 1,000 in the conflict-affected city of Goma. Fortunately, most of them have already moved to safer locations.
Indian Embassy Issues Emergency Advisory
Amid the worsening security situation, the Indian Embassy in Kinshasa has issued multiple advisories urging Indian nationals in Bukavu to leave immediately and relocate to safer locations.
With reports suggesting that M23 rebels are now just 20–25 kilometres from Bukavu, the embassy has strongly recommended against any travel to the region.
In its latest advisory, the embassy has urged Indian nationals to prepare an emergency plan and ensure they have all necessary documents and essentials ready. The key recommendations include:
- Keeping all essential identity and travel documents readily accessible
- Packing emergency supplies, including medicines, clothing, food, and water
- Monitoring local media channels for real-time updates
- Remaining in contact with the embassy for assistance
The embassy is also collecting information on Indian nationals in Bukavu and has asked them to urgently submit details, including their full name, passport number, address in the DRC and India, and contact information.
For emergency support, the embassy has provided a helpline number and email address:
Emergency Contact Number: +243 890024313
Email ID: cons.kinshasas@mea.gov.in
Government Response and Future Uncertainty
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed a strong and coordinated military response against the rebels and their alleged supporters. In his first public statement since the fall of Goma, he assured citizens that efforts were underway to restore stability.
The government is also working with international partners to seek diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
Meanwhile, India continues to monitor the situation closely. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the Indian government is in touch with its nationals in the DRC and has taken steps to ensure their safety.
He also highlighted that around 1,200 Indian troops are currently deployed in the DRC as part of the MONUSCO (United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) peacekeeping operation in the region.
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