The International Criminal Court (ICC) is closely tracking escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels are expanding their hold after seizing the strategic city of Goma, fueling fears of further devastation.
“Credible sources indicate that thousands have been wounded and hundreds killed, including civilians and peacekeepers, in and around Goma,” ICC prosecutors stated.
They urged all sides to provide information on possible war crimes amid intensifying clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced last year that investigations would focus on alleged atrocities in North Kivu province since January 2022.
“This investigation is active and continues with urgency and focus,” his office reaffirmed in a statement released on Wednesday.
More than 2,000 bodies from last week’s conflict remain unburied, according to Congo’s communications minister, raising concerns of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations reported at least 900 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries in the intense fighting leading to Goma’s capture by M23 rebels.
The situation remains dire as international watchdogs push for accountability in one of Africa’s deadliest ongoing conflicts.
