Recent gunfire in Goma, DRC, prompts U.N. warnings of a worsening humanitarian crisis amid clashes with Rwandan-backed rebels. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and food assistance has been suspended. Crisis talks are set, with leaders discussing peaceful resolutions to the ongoing conflict.
Gunfire erupted in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s city of Goma on Tuesday as the United Nations raised alarms about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the wake of attacks by Rwandan-backed rebels. U.N. humanitarian spokesperson Jens Laerke reported that Goma’s hospitals are currently overwhelmed. In response to the escalating crisis, the World Food Program has temporarily suspended its food assistance operations in the area.
Crisis discussions are scheduled for Wednesday, featuring Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, with the aim of addressing the conflict. Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized that military solutions would not resolve the conflict. The U.S. State Department stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the assault on Goma and reaffirmed support for the sovereignty of the DRC during a call with President Tshisekedi.
Despite claims of control from the M23 rebel group, U.N. officials have declared that fighting continues in Goma. Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. resident coordinator in the DRC, described the situation as highly volatile and dangerous, with combat zones now affecting all areas of Goma. There have also been significant disruptions to essential services including water, electricity, internet, and telecommunications, compounded by looting of humanitarian facilities.
Since early January, M23 rebels have intensified their offensive in eastern DRC with the backing of the Rwandan army, openly breaching a previous ceasefire agreement. The U.N. has observed the rebels’ significant territorial advancements and their intent to open further fronts, particularly in the South Kivu province.
The United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have urged the M23 to cease hostilities and withdraw from the areas they occupy, calling for the return to the Luanda mediation process facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço. Lemarquis advocated for temporary humanitarian pauses to resume essential activities and facilitate the safe evacuation of civilians and the wounded from combat zones.
Recently, the United Nations allocated $17 million from its emergency fund to address urgent humanitarian needs in the DRC. Additionally, the evacuation of nonessential U.N. personnel from Goma to Kinshasa and Entebbe has been initiated. Meanwhile, the U.N. peacekeeping mission, known as MONUSCO, has reinforced its positions against advancing rebel forces by deploying various military units.
U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix stressed the urgent need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, prioritizing the safety of millions of civilians affected by the conflict and that of U.N. personnel. The situation has resulted in the casualties of three U.N. peacekeepers in recent days, highlighting the conflict’s severity. Preceding this surge in violence, eastern DRC was already facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with approximately 6.5 million individuals displaced due to conflicts over mineral resources.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been enduring prolonged conflict fueled by various armed groups, particularly in the eastern regions. The M23 rebel group, which is purportedly supported by Rwanda, recently resumed hostilities, contributing to significant instability and humanitarian crises in cities like Goma. The U.N. and other international bodies are monitoring the escalating situation, attempting to provide assistance and facilitate negotiations between conflicting parties.
The recent violence in Goma, exacerbated by attacks from Rwandan-backed rebels, has led to a critical humanitarian crisis, overwhelming local hospitals and forcing aid organizations to suspend operations. Calls for dialogue and ceasefire are intensifying as international entities urge the cessation of hostilities to protect civilians. The international community continues to support efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
