Gunfire in Goma, DRC, has prompted U.N. warnings of a severe humanitarian crisis amid clashes between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Crisis talks are scheduled, and U.N. peacekeepers are intensifying efforts to counter the violence, which has already caused significant civilian displacement and disruptions to services.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as United Nations officials alerted the public about a dire humanitarian emergency amid violent confrontations between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed rebel groups. Spokesperson Jens Laerke stated that local healthcare facilities faced overwhelming pressure due to the influx of casualties from ongoing attacks. The World Food Program also reported a temporary halt to food assistance activities in the area due to the conflict.
Crisis negotiations are set to occur on Wednesday, including Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, as announced by Kenyan President William Ruto. Ruto emphasized the necessity for a diplomatic resolution, stating that a military option is not a viable path to peace. The U.S. State Department condemned the M23 rebel assault on Goma and affirmed its commitment to DRC’s sovereignty in a conversation between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Tshisekedi.
Despite claims from M23 rebels of controlling Goma, senior U.N. officials indicated the fighting remains intense and unresolved. Bruno Lemarquis, U.N. Resident Coordinator in the DRC, described the situation as fluid and dangerous, asserting that combat zones have expanded throughout Goma and disrupted basic services, including water and electricity. Many humanitarian warehouses have also been looted.
The ongoing hostilities date back to January when the M23 group abandoned a ceasefire and commenced a significant offensive with Rwandan military support. The U.N. estimates these rebels have made substantial territorial gains, leading them to reignite tensions in South Kivu province. In response, the U.N. Security Council has urged an immediate cessation of hostilities and the retreat of Rwandan forces from DRC territories.
During the humanitarian crisis, Lemarquis called on all conflicting parties to agree to temporary humanitarian pauses to restore vital services and facilitate the evacuation of civilians and injured individuals from combat zones. The U.N. has allocated $17 million from its emergency fund to address urgent humanitarian needs in DRC. To ensure safety, non-essential U.N. personnel are being evacuated from Goma to safer locations, including Kinshasa and Entebbe.
The peacekeeping force in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, has reinforced its operations to counter the rebel assault, deploying various military resources in strategic locations. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the U.N. peacekeeping chief, emphasized that an immediate end to hostilities must be prioritized to safeguard the millions of civilians affected by the conflict. Tragically, the recent violence has already led to the deaths of three U.N. peacekeepers and numerous injuries.
Overall, the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC represents one of the most severe humanitarian crises worldwide, with nearly 6.5 million individuals forcibly displaced by the actions of armed groups seeking control over the region’s abundant mineral resources.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC is compounded by decades of conflict driven by various armed groups vying for control of the country’s valuable natural resources. Recent escalations have seen increased military activity and confrontations between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed rebels, particularly the M23 group, exacerbating the already dire situation for civilians. Amidst this turmoil, international organizations and states are urged to intervene and mediate to restore peace and security in the region.
The situation in Goma illustrates a complex humanitarian crisis fueled by ongoing conflict between Congolese armed forces and rebellious factions supported by Rwanda. With essential services disrupted and urgent humanitarian needs escalating, diplomatic efforts and immediate de-escalation of hostilities are imperative to protect the civilian population and stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
