UN Official Calls for International Action Amid Escalating Crisis in DR Congo
Vivian van de Perre, the Deputy Head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), delivered a comprehensive briefing from Goma, detailing the critical humanitarian crisis confronting the region. She urged for “urgent and coordinated international action” to halt the violent clashes between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces vying for control of the city.
A Growing Humanitarian Emergency
The recent surge in fighting, particularly after the M23 took control of Minova, has triggered a massive displacement of people. Over 178,000 individuals have fled Kalehe territory, with more than 34,000 seeking refuge in already overcrowded internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Goma and its surroundings. This influx has further strained the city’s fragile infrastructure and deepened the humanitarian crisis.
Violent Escalation and Joint Rebel-Offensive
Despite international appeals for peace, including during a United Nations Security Council meeting on January 26, the M23 rebels, supported by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), launched a major attack on Goma.
“These attacks have caused significant civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and immense trauma among the affected population,” Ms. van de Perre reported.
MONUSCO has been at the forefront of offering protection and shelter to those fleeing violence. However, its bases are overwhelmed, accommodating thousands of displaced civilians and surrendering armed elements. The Uruguayan Battalion (URUBATT) alone has sheltered approximately 1,200 Congolese soldiers and more than 1,000 civilians, placing immense pressure on resources.
UN Bases Under Threat
The situation has become increasingly perilous for UN personnel. Ms. van de Perre disclosed that MONUSCO’s bases are under constant attack, with mortars and bullets striking their compounds in recent days. Damage to water tanks and facilities has further increased vulnerabilities.
“Our bases are not safe: Two mortars have hit MONUSCO compounds, and installations in Jambar camp have been destroyed and burned,” she noted.
The closure of Goma’s airport has complicated casualty evacuation efforts, but MONUSCO persists in coordinating medical flights with the assistance of the Southern African Development Community mission in DRC (SAMIDRC).
Medical Evacuations Amid Battles
Despite logistical obstacles, MONUSCO continues evacuating injured peacekeepers and other casualties to its Level 3 hospital in Goma. With Goma’s airport captured by M23 and RDF forces, and rebel advancements from multiple directions, the situation in the city remains volatile. There are growing fears of weapons proliferation, as combatants increasingly integrate into the civilian population.
Additionally, the crisis has heightened the risks of sexual and gender-based violence, with the mass displacement separating families and leaving women and children particularly vulnerable. The situation has been exacerbated by the escape of prisoners from Goma’s central prison.
Humanitarian Crisis: An Urgent Call for Action
Ms. van de Perre pleaded with all parties involved to ensure access to basic services, prevent gender-based violence, and safeguard civilians.
“The suffering experienced by the population in Goma and its surroundings is beyond imagination,” she stated. “As human beings, we must do everything possible to end this violence and alleviate the immense suffering.”
She called for the establishment of humanitarian corridors between key locations such as Goma, Minova, and Bukavu, along with the reopening of vital airports and border points to allow for the delivery of assistance.
The Need for Political Solutions
Ms. van de Perre stressed that military approaches alone cannot resolve the crisis. She urged a return to the Luanda Process, facilitated by the Angolan Government, as a pathway to de-escalation and peace. Additionally, she warned of the looming risk of a third Congo war if political solutions are not prioritized.
“We need urgent and coordinated international action to address this crisis in Goma. The protection of civilians and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution must be our top priorities,” she concluded.
A Call for International Solidarity
Despite the challenges, MONUSCO continues to serve as a lifeline for the vulnerable populations in Goma. However, ongoing violence, logistical hurdles, and limited resources are testing the mission’s capacity to respond effectively. The briefing served as a stark reminder that without immediate action and international solidarity, the devastating human cost of the conflict will only escalate further.
Leave a Reply