Human Rights Watch warns DR Congo conflict could have 'catastrophic' fallout

Displaced persons fleeing the combats in the area of Sake carry their belonging in the town of Mugunga, 10km north-west of Goma, on January 23, 2025. [AFP]

Civilians in eastern DR Congo face "increasing risks" as Rwandan-backed group M23 closes in on the key city of Goma, Human Rights Watch said on Saturday.

Friday saw intense clashes barely 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the provincial capital of North Kivu, which has a million inhabitants and at least as many displaced people.