MSF Condemns Fatal Armed Raid on Hospital in Eastern DR Congo

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo, 12 April 2025 (BSS/AFP) – The international medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has strongly condemned a deadly incursion into Kyeshero Hospital in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, allegedly carried out by fighters of the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group.

Hospital Raid: MSF Speaks Out

In a statement issued on Friday, MSF reported that approximately 20 armed men from the M23 group stormed the premises of Kyeshero Hospital between the night of 4 and 5 April 2025. The hospital, located in the city of Goma – capital of North Kivu province – had been providing refuge for civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict.

Although the armed assailants did not enter the hospital wards directly, gunfire was exchanged outside, and stray bullets penetrated into patient areas, creating panic among medical staff and patients.

“One person was killed and three others wounded. Two hospital staff members were brutally beaten,” MSF said, calling the incident “unacceptable and a violation of humanitarian space”.

Pattern of Violence Against Health Facilities

Margot Grelet, MSF’s emergency coordinator for Goma and North Kivu, expressed alarm at the broader trend of violence targeting medical infrastructure in the region:

“These attacks violate all principles of medical neutrality. We have witnessed at least 15 violent incidents involving hospitals in the region since the beginning of 2025.”

The humanitarian organisation emphasised the sanctity of medical spaces and urged all armed actors to respect international humanitarian law.

Context: M23 and the Widening Conflict

The March 23 Movement (M23) has seen a resurgence since 2021, with the group now controlling substantial portions of North and South Kivu provinces. In a swift offensive earlier this year, the group seized both Goma and Bukavu, raising concerns across the international community.

Strategic and Economic Significance of Eastern DRC

The region’s vast mineral wealth has long attracted both state and non-state actors. These resources continue to fuel armed conflict and undermine efforts toward lasting peace.

International Response and Humanitarian Appeals

The MSF has appealed for:

Immediate protection of healthcare facilities and workers

Access for humanitarian aid across all conflict zones

International condemnation of attacks on civilian infrastructure

The United Nations and African Union have yet to release formal statements regarding the hospital incident, but increasing scrutiny is being placed on Rwanda’s alleged involvement in supporting M23 – a claim Kigali continues to deny.