As violence escalates in Goma, DRC, due to M23 rebel advances, organizations like Mercy Corps are pulling personnel for safety. The city’s airport is under control of the rebels, complicating humanitarian efforts. U.N. officials highlight the urgency of the situation, leading to calls for a ceasefire and regional diplomatic discussions.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, ongoing conflicts have forced various organizations to withdraw personnel from Goma due to escalating violence. Reports indicate that M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, have claimed control over Goma, the region’s largest city. Mercy Corps noted their concern for safety as government forces engage in clashes with the rebels in the area.
Rose Tchwenko, Mercy Corps’ country director for the DRC, expressed serious concerns about the worsening situation in Goma. The humanitarian organization began relocating non-essential staff after key supply routes were lost, and eventually moved senior personnel to Gisenyi, Rwanda, to maintain operations. She conveyed the urgency of the crisis and highlighted the closure of Goma’s airport under rebel control.
Local residents report that violence continues, with gunfire audible in areas around the airport. Condemning the conflict, Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, informed the Security Council that Goma is effectively trapped with blocked roads and a closed airport. His remarks underline the gravity of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
The recent escalation of violence has led to casualties among U.N. peacekeepers. A meeting of the U.N. Security Council concluded with calls for a ceasefire, as international representatives, including the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., condemned the actions of the M23 rebels and called for accountability. Meanwhile, Kenyan President William Ruto proposed an emergency summit to facilitate a resolution to the conflict and highlight regional efforts to restore stability.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is characterized by a resurgence of violence involving M23 rebels, a group believed to have support from the Rwandan government. Goma, a vital city for humanitarian operations and a population center, has seen intense fighting that jeopardizes local stability and humanitarian aid. Recent escalations in the conflict have raised alarm among NGOs and international bodies regarding the safety of civilians and aid workers. In response to the rapid deterioration of the security situation, organizations such as Mercy Corps have been forced to withdraw their teams to ensure their safety while trying to continue providing necessary support. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the closure of key supply routes and the effective control of the city by rebel forces, leaving many vulnerable populations in urgent need of assistance.
The situation in Goma, DRC, is dire, marked by continued violence and a humanitarian crisis due to the advance of M23 rebels. Key organizations are withdrawing personnel to ensure safety, while local residents face great peril as clashes continue. International bodies are calling for a ceasefire and accountability for those responsible for the conflict. Regional leaders are seeking diplomatic solutions to stabilize the situation and support affected communities.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
