The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken a devastating turn, with more than 700 people killed and 2,800 injured in just five days of fighting between January 26-30.
The UN Secretary-General spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, reported these alarming numbers, warning that the totals are expected to rise.
The conflict has escalated in the east of the DRC, with the AFC/M23 rebel coalition taking control of Goma, the largest city in North Kivu province.
The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, while President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed a "vigorous and coordinated response" against the rebel alliance.
The humanitarian situation is dire, with widespread looting of warehouses and aid organizations, and access to safe drinking water cut off in Goma.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that the risk of water-borne disease outbreaks will increase without urgent action.
The international community is calling for an immediate end to the violence, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressing alarm over the M23 rebel offensive and its "devastating toll" on civilians.
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