At least 3,000 killed in Goma – reports

By Patrick Ilunga, KINSHASA DR Congo

The death toll in Goma continues to rise, with bodies floating on Lake Kivu and others still being collected.

Bounena Sidi Mohamed, deputy director of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said at least 2,000 bodies had already been buried by communities, while the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday that 900 bodies were still in morgues in Goma.

Many decomposing bodies remain in certain areas, particularly around Goma's airport and prison.

The humanitarian situation in the city of Goma is alarming after just four days of fighting last week.

"Medical facilities have found it difficult to guarantee the hygiene standards required to control infections, and some hospitals have seen patients dying on respiratory assistance. Others have had to suspend operations, being unable to use patient monitoring equipment, light operating theatres or sterilise equipment. In other cases, the power cuts have disrupted the operation of medicine storage facilities and morgue cold rooms," the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said.

The disruption to the supply of drinking water has led people to use untreated water directly from the lake, exposing them to water-borne diseases such as cholera, which is endemic in the region.

"There are many challenges facing humanitarian workers, including health issues and shortages of body bags. At present, only 500 bags are available, including 100 for children and 400 for adults."

"Rapid burial is essential to prevent health risks, particularly epidemics. We are working with our partners to speed up this operation," Ms Mohamed said.

According to OCHA, Goma airport needs to be reopened urgently to allow the arrival of medical supplies, the evacuation of the wounded and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

"We are in an extreme emergency situation. Every day that passes worsens the crisis," OCHA said.

The situation in the DRC is such that international organisations are urging the parties to favour a peaceful solution to the crisis.

The UN Human Rights Council will hold an emergency session on Friday to examine the crisis in eastern DRC and its impact on human rights.

In Kinshasa, President Félix Tshisekedi has asked the Senate and the Assembly to hold an extraordinary session to formulate political and diplomatic proposals to end the crisis.

Vital Kamerhe, speaker of the National Assembly, declared at the opening of the extraordinary session on Tuesday that "President Tshisekedi wants to spare human lives... The President wants to negotiate, but not to sell the Congo... Diplomatic efforts must continue in order to find a peaceful solution to this conflict."