Fighting in Goma raises fears of Ebola outbreak as rebels near city control

Fighting in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, has intensified as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels near control of the city. The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that clashes could risk releasing dangerous Ebola virus samples from a nearby laboratory. The conflict has resulted in over 100 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries, overwhelming local hospitals. Aid agencies report severe humanitarian conditions, including mass displacement and food shortages, as violence disrupts essential services. The situation has raised concerns about the spread of infectious diseases like cholera. The UN has documented ethnic violence and called for urgent action, while the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of exploiting regional resources.