Gunfire in Goma, DRC, signals escalating violence as U.N. alerts to humanitarian crisis. Fighting persists between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, prompting temporary food assistance suspension. International talks are ongoing, with U.N. peacekeepers increasing their presence to protect civilians as humanitarian aid faces critical conditions.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, amid increasing tensions as fighting continues between Congolese soldiers and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The United Nations has raised alarms about the deteriorating humanitarian situation, noting that hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed. As a result, the World Food Program has temporarily halted food assistance activities in the region to assess the ongoing crisis.
Crisis discussions are scheduled for Wednesday, with Kenyan President William Ruto facilitating talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Emphasizing the need for dialogue, Ruto stated that there is “no military solution” to the ongoing conflict. The U.S. Secretary of State recently condemned the rebel assault on Goma and reaffirmed support for the DRC’s sovereignty during a call with President Tshisekedi.
A senior U.N. official reported that the fighting persists despite the M23’s assertions of control over Goma. Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. resident coordinator in the DRC, described the situation as extremely precarious, with combat zones spreading throughout Goma and essential services severely disrupted. There has also been looting of humanitarian warehouses, exacerbating the crisis.
Since early January, M23 rebels have escalated their offensive in eastern DRC, breaking a ceasefire agreement with support from the Rwandan army. The rebels aim to expand their territorial influence, posing a severe threat not only to Goma but also to neighboring South Kivu province. The United Nations Security Council has urged an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from the area.
As tensions continue to rise, Lemarquis called for temporary humanitarian pauses and the establishment of safe corridors to facilitate humanitarian activities and evacuate civilians trapped in combat zones. In response to the crisis, the United Nations approved a $17 million emergency fund to address urgent humanitarian needs in the DRC.
The U.N. has also taken measures to ensure the safety of personnel by temporarily evacuating nonessential staff from Goma. The peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, has bolstered its presence by deploying various military resources to counter the advancing rebels. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the U.N. peacekeeping chief, emphasized the necessity of achieving a ceasefire to protect civilians and U.N. staff in the region.
Recent violence has resulted in casualties among U.N. peacekeepers, with three reported killed and several injured. The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC has been ongoing, with almost 6.5 million individuals displaced due to armed groups vying for control of the region’s valuable mineral resources.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been embroiled in conflict for decades, largely driven by the struggle for control over its abundant natural resources. Goma, a city in eastern DRC, has frequently been a focal point of violence, particularly involving various rebel groups like the M23, which has previously entered into conflicts with the Congolese army. The ongoing humanitarian crisis is compounded by the presence of foreign militaries, particularly from Rwanda, and internal displacement, with millions of people seeking refuge from violence and instability. The U.N. plays a crucial role in providing aid and mediating conflicts to restore peace and humanitarian access.
The situation in Goma remains critical, with armed conflict posing immediate risks to civilians and humanitarian efforts. Despite international diplomatic efforts, including discussions among regional leaders and U.N. initiatives, the fighting has resulted in significant humanitarian and security challenges. The need for a long-term solution and commitment to cease hostilities from all parties is urgently required to mitigate the extensive humanitarian crisis affecting millions in eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
