UN aid agencies have issued a grave alert regarding a severe humanitarian crisis in the Congolese city of Goma, as hospitals are inundated with casualties and bodies are left on the streets.
According to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, "thousands of people have been fleeing 'multiple active conflict zones'".
The ongoing conflict with M23 rebels has resulted in the looting of warehouses containing essential supplies, such as food and medical provisions.
The growing outcry over the M23 offensive has amplified calls for peace negotiations to halt the fighting.
"Hospitals are overwhelmed. There are currently hundreds of people in hospital, most admitted with gunshot wounds," reported Adelheid Marschang, the World Health Organization's emergency response coordinator for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reported receiving over 100 wounded individuals in just 24 hours, a caseload that typically would have been seen over a month.
Due to the influx of casualties, the ICRC had to transform their hospital car park into a triage unit.
Using heavy artillery in densely populated zones is causing severe injuries, especially affecting children.
Both the ICRC and the World Food Programme disclosed that their warehouses have been ransacked recently.
As per reports, at least 17 fatalities have been confirmed, with close to 400 individuals sustaining injuries.
South Africa announced the loss of four additional soldiers in the DR Congo as part of peacekeeping operations in clashes with the M23, bringing the total South African casualties to 13. Malawi and Uruguay have also reported peacekeeper casualties.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged in discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, emphasizing the urgent necessity for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks.
An emergency session organized by the African Union is scheduled for later on Tuesday.
DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi convened with key state representatives to assess the crisis in the city.
Goma has been without electricity and water since Friday, and the government is striving to restore these services.
The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled the M23 assault as condemnable during a conversation with Tshisekedi.
The US expressed support for restarting peace negotiations promptly with Rwanda, accused of backing the rebels.
The Congolese government requested a UN Security Council meeting for more decisive action against Rwanda.
During a recent UN gathering, DR Congo pushed for sanctions against Rwanda, denouncing the violation of its territorial integrity.
Rwanda has denied direct involvement in supporting the M23, despite allegations confirming their assistance.
In Kinshasa, agitated protesters set fire to parts of the French embassy to signal discontent over the M23's aggression.
Disgruntled citizens engaged in protest actions like restricting traffic flow and burning tires, with some observing a "dead city" day in solidarity with Goma.