At least 700 people have lost their lives since Sunday in the violent clashes raging in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a report released by the United Nations on Friday.
The deadly fighting involves the M23 armed group, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda, as they seize control of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, and push further south.
The local Congolese army, along with volunteers, are struggling to repel the M23 fighters’ advance.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and its partners, in collaboration with the Congolese government, conducted an assessment from Sunday to Thursday.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reported that the violence has led to over 700 fatalities and 2,800 injuries, with many of the wounded receiving treatment in local health facilities.

The M23’s capture of Goma has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict, with the group threatening to march toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.
UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix warned that this escalation could trigger a wider conflict across the region, underscoring the need for immediate diplomatic efforts to end the violence.
While the situation in Goma remains tense, occasional gunfire continues within the city, though calm is gradually being restored.
However, Lacroix expressed deep concern about the advancing M23 fighters, who are reportedly just 60 kilometres north of Bukavu, a major city in South Kivu province.
He also highlighted the risk of the M23 forces capturing key infrastructure, such as the Kavumu airport.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 group to exploit the region’s rich mineral resources, which are crucial for global electronics production.
UN experts have backed these claims, stating that Rwanda effectively controls the M23 fighters.
Rwanda has denied these allegations, emphasising that its focus is on eliminating Hutu militants who emerged after the 1994 Rwandan genocide.