The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to tackle the escalating violence in Goma, DRC. MONUSCO officials highlighted the alarming humanitarian situation, revealing over 178,000 people displaced by recent clashes. Urgent international action was called for to prevent further suffering as the conflict deepens, affecting civilian lives and safety significantly.
The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the escalating crisis in Goma, DRC’s eastern regional capital. Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Head of MONUSCO, underscored the urgent need for international intervention to halt the ongoing violence between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces, highlighting the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
Recent clashes have caused significant displacement, with over 178,000 individuals fleeing their homes, particularly after M23’s capture of Minova. Over 34,000 people have sought refuge in overcrowded IDP sites in and around Goma, straining already limited resources and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the area.
Ms. van de Perre reported that despite prior warnings from Security Council members, M23 forces launched assaults on Goma, leading to civilian casualties and further displacement of local populations. The increased attacks have prompted many civilians to seek refuge, placing immense pressure on MONUSCO facilities which are struggling to accommodate the influx of displaced individuals.
The safety of MONUSCO bases is compromised, with recent mortar hits and gunfire incidents reported. Casualty evacuation efforts are hindered, particularly following the assaults near Sake, despite MONUSCO’s efforts to continue medical evacuations through collaboration with the Southern African Development Community mission.
The capture of Goma’s airport and advances from rebel forces pose a risk of weapon proliferation amongst civilian populations. Additionally, the massive influx of internally displaced persons, alongside the separation of families and escapes from prison, has heightened the vulnerability of women and children to gender-based violence.
Ms. van de Perre appealed to all parties to protect human life and grant access to essential services while calling for urgent creation of humanitarian corridors. She emphasized the necessity of a political solution via the resumption of the Luanda Process under Angolan mediation, underscoring that military strategies alone cannot resolve the situation.
In conclusion, the situation remains critical, necessitating swift international action to alleviate the ongoing crisis. Despite challenges, MONUSCO continues to provide vital support to vulnerable groups, emphasizing the need for civilian protection and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to halt the suffering in Goma.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, exacerbated by political instability and external interventions. The recent escalation in violence in Goma, particularly involving the M23 rebel group and Rwandan forces, has led to significant humanitarian crises, including massive displacements and increased civilian suffering. The role of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) is critical but is currently under severe strain due to ongoing assaults and logistical challenges, as highlighted by recent reports and calls for action from various UN officials.
In summary, the UN Security Council’s response to the crisis in Goma emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated international assistance to end the violence and address the severe humanitarian repercussions. The event illustrates the continuous struggle for peace and stability in the DRC while underscoring the importance of political dialogue over military solutions. Facilitating humanitarian aid and protecting vulnerable populations remain paramount in alleviating suffering in this conflict-ridden region.
Original Source: news.un.org
