Violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has killed over 7,000 people since January, with many victims being civilians, according to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of major cities, including Goma and Bukavu, amid limited resistance from Congolese forces. The UN reports that around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are supporting the group.
Tuluka stated that at least 2,500 unidentified bodies have been buried, while another 1,500 remain in morgues. The rapid rebel advance has displaced tens of thousands, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
With Congo’s government struggling to contain the insurgency, Tshisekedi is seeking Western military and diplomatic intervention to push back the rebels and restore stability.