The military governor of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Major General Peter Cirimwami, has died from injuries sustained during recent combat with M23 rebel fighters near the provincial capital, Goma, local authorities confirmed. Cirimwami, who led army operations in the volatile region, was on the front lines in Kasengezi, roughly 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Goma, when he was injured. The exact circumstances of his death remain unclear, but it was confirmed by multiple sources, including government and military officials, as well as a UN source, all of whom spoke anonymously.
The death of Major General Cirimwami comes as M23 rebels make significant gains in North Kivu, encircling Goma, a city of about 2 million people, and a critical hub for both security and humanitarian operations. On Thursday, the rebels captured Sake, a town located 27 kilometers (16 miles) northwest of Goma, cutting off one of the few remaining routes into the city that was still under government control.
The ongoing conflict has already displaced over 400,000 people in North Kivu this year alone, with more expected as the fighting escalates. The UN has warned that the situation poses a serious risk of sparking a broader regional war. “The number of displacements is now over 400,000 people this year alone, almost double the number reported last week,” said Matthew Saltmarsh, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Heavy bombardments and clashes on the periphery of Goma have forced many internally displaced people to flee toward the city, where they are seeking safety, although many are now living in dire conditions. In light of the growing instability, the United States, United Kingdom, and France have advised their nationals to leave Goma while the airports and borders remain open.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the international community remains on high alert, calling for immediate action to protect civilians and ensure the security of the region.
