DRC Conflict Death Toll Reaches 7,000 Since January, Prime Minister Reports

Fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed 7,000 lives since January, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. She warned of escalating violence, mass displacements, and widespread human rights abuses.

The conflict has displaced 450,000 people after 90 camps were destroyed, with the rebel group M23 capturing key territories. The advance has intensified fears of a broader war, particularly as M23 seizes mineral-rich areas in North and South Kivu provinces.

Rwanda continues to deny accusations from Congo, the UN, and Western governments that it provides military support to M23. The Congolese government is calling for international intervention, including sanctions against those fueling the conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the deteriorating human rights situation, stating that global freedoms are being “suffocated.” Meanwhile, mounting losses have sparked criticism of the Congolese government’s military strategy in the region.