Intensified fighting in Goma raises alarms as M23 rebels confront Congolese forces, prompting UN officials to label the situation “volatile”. Humanitarian crises worsen, affecting millions with disruptions to essential services and healthcare. Calls for international intervention and temporary pauses for humanitarian aid are urgent as the conflict endangers civilian lives.
As conflict escalates between the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel faction and Congolese forces, United Nations Peace Operations Chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix emphasized the precarious nature of the situation in eastern DR Congo, particularly in Goma. During a briefing in New York, he noted that some UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) personnel sought shelter, which hindered their ability to gather complete situational information. He assured that peacekeepers are maintaining their positions, though non-essential staff have been relocated for safety.
The UN Deputy Special Representative, Bruno Lemarquis, described the dire humanitarian crisis afflicting Goma amid ongoing hostilities, stating, “Civilians are taking the brunt of the escalating hostilities” with detrimental impacts on healthcare facilities, including a maternity hospital that has suffered direct artillery strikes. He reported on the severe disruption of essential services such as water and electricity and called for urgent humanitarian pauses to enable safe civilian evacuations and facilitate aid deliveries.
In light of Rwanda’s significant involvement in supporting the M23 faction, Mr. Lacroix condemned recent violence that led to the deaths of three peacekeepers and injuries to twelve others. He reiterated the UN’s expectation for all involved parties, including Rwandan forces, to safeguard UN personnel. He emphasized, “At this moment, we have to focus on the emergency, with saving as many lives as possible, and trying to bring about the cessation of hostilities.”
Mr. Lacroix also reaffirmed the UN’s dedication to regional peace efforts, acknowledging the necessity of international collaboration, particularly in light of the East African Community’s summit announcement and a recent $70 million allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund. Both he and Mr. Lemarquis urged for a heightened global response to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and prevent further loss of life.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has seen significant changes in recent years, notably with the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which has received backing from neighboring Rwanda. Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, has become a focal point of violence, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation characterized by millions of internally displaced persons. The international community’s involvement, led by the UN, is crucial to stabilizing the region and providing relief to the affected civilians.
The situation in Goma remains precarious, with significant humanitarian implications following intensified fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces. UN officials continue to call for urgent international engagement to protect civilians and enable humanitarian assistance amidst violence. The need for collaborative peace efforts and a commitment to safeguarding UN personnel is paramount as conflict continues to escalate in the region.
Original Source: news.un.org
