WHO cites reports saying 45 dead in Congo fighting, warns of disease risks

Congolese civilians who fled from Goma return to DRC

Congolese civilians who fled from Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, following clashes between M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), carry their belongings as they walk towards the Grand Barrier crossing point to return home, in Gisenyi, Rubavu district, Rwanda, January 30, 2025. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya

Source: REUTERS

The World Health Organization said on Thursday that over 2,000 people have been wounded by fighting in and around Congo's city of Goma and 45 people have died, citing unnamed reports.

"There are reports of 2,029 wounded in health facilities and other points of care, and 45 dead across 3 health zones in North Kivu," the U.N. health agency said in a statement.

It also warned that displacement had increased the risk of the spread of diseases like mpox, cholera and measles.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters