Fresh violence in eastern Congo has claimed at least 52 lives, police authorities confirmed on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
Congo’s Ministry of Interior said attacks occurred between Friday and Saturday in Goma and nearby areas.
The ministry said armed rebels stormed communities and opened fire on civilians and security personnel.
Officials blamed the M23 rebel group for the deadly assault, which escalated regional tensions.
Gunmen also stormed Goma’s Kyeshero Hospital and killed one person, according to government sources.
The attack is the latest in a wave of deadly violence plaguing Congo’s eastern region.
Clashes were also reported in Bukavu, where local Wazalendo militia confronted M23 forces.
Wazalendo fighters, who support Congolese forces, marched toward Bukavu airport in a show of strength.
The march appeared to challenge M23’s growing influence in the region.
M23 rebels currently control Goma and Bukavu, key eastern cities seized earlier this year.
Fighting between M23 and Congolese forces resumed in January after failed peace negotiations.
The conflict has worsened humanitarian conditions, displacing nearly 7 million people.
Over 3,000 people have died in the violence since fighting intensified this year.
Qatar and African nations have pushed for peace, but progress remains limited.
The recent attacks now threaten to derail those diplomatic efforts.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka denied involvement in the killings.
Kanyuka blamed Congolese troops and their allied local militias for the attacks.
He accused government forces of jeopardizing civilian safety in the region.
M23 said it may reconsider its stance to protect civilians in its territory.
Residents of Goma said they lived through a terrifying night of explosions and gunfire.
Amboma Safari, a Goma resident, said his family hid under a bed to survive.
“We heard gunshots and blasts all night,” Safari told reporters on Saturday.
“We saw dead soldiers but couldn’t identify their group,” he added.
Christian Kalamo, a civil society leader, expressed fear about the growing uncertainty.
He said it’s unclear who carried out the latest attacks — M23, Wazalendo or the army.
“We live in fear, unsure if war will resume tomorrow,” Kalamo said.
