Humanitarian organizations are withdrawing personnel from Goma, DRC, due to rising violence from M23 rebels. Mercy Corps has relocated staff to ensure safety, as clashes disrupt access to aid. The situation in Goma is dire, with the airport under rebel control and ongoing hostilities affecting civilians. International leaders are advocating for a ceasefire and diplomatic solutions to end the conflict.
In response to escalating violence in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), various humanitarian organizations are withdrawing their personnel. The M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda, claimed they have gained control of Goma, a populous city critical for aid operations. Mercy Corps has primarily relocated non-essential staff to ensure their safety amidst the conflict.
Rose Tchwenko, Mercy Corps’ DRC country director, indicated that following recent rebel advances, essential supplies into Goma were jeopardized, prompting the organization to evacuate personnel. As clashes intensified, the decision was made to move senior staff to Gisenyi, Rwanda, to continue operational support remotely.
Goma’s situation remains precarious, with reports stating the airport is now under rebel control, and sporadic gunfire can be heard throughout the city. Bintou Keita, head of the United Nations mission, described the dire conditions, asserting that roads were blocked and access for humanitarian assistance was severely limited.
Local residents confirm ongoing fighting, with testimonies reflecting fear and a climate of uncertainty. The Congolese government denounced the rebel actions as a direct declaration of war. In response, the U.N. Security Council convened an emergency meeting, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
International leaders, including the U.S. government, condemned the violence and urged accountability. Kenyan President William Ruto is facilitating conversations between the presidents of DRC and Rwanda to promote an immediate ceasefire. An extraordinary summit of the East African Community will convene shortly to address this crisis effectively.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has been exacerbated by the M23 rebel group, which has recently made significant territorial gains and is perceived to be backed by Rwanda. Goma, a major city in North Kivu province, is strategically important for humanitarian aid and has a densely populated environment of about two million residents. As clashes between governmental forces and the M23 rebels escalate, humanitarian organizations are struggling to maintain operations amidst rising violence and insecurity. This situation highlights the challenges faced by these organizations in conflict zones and the urgent need for international diplomatic interventions to restore peace.
The escalation of conflict in Goma has led to the withdrawal of humanitarian personnel as safety concerns rise. The control exerted by the M23 rebels poses significant threats to both the local population and international aid efforts. With increased calls for a ceasefire from global leaders and institutions, the hope for de-escalation hinges on effective diplomatic measures to address the underlying tensions in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
