UN Officials Highlight Escalating Crisis in Goma Amid Ongoing Conflict in DR Congo
On Monday, UN officials delivered a sobering update on the volatile situation in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with concerns mounting over the humanitarian fallout and the safety of civilians and UN personnel.
UN Shelter and Safety Measures
During a briefing in New York, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, shared that staff from the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) had to temporarily take shelter due to the intensifying conflict. This precaution limited their access to critical information, complicating efforts to assess the rapidly evolving situation on the ground.
“Peacekeepers remain at their posts,” Mr. Lacroix stated, emphasizing that the safety of non-essential personnel and their families was prioritized, resulting in their relocation from Goma. Despite these challenges, he assured that MONUSCO is committed to fulfilling its mandate, which includes protecting civilians and disarming combatants in line with international humanitarian law.
“The fate of millions of civilians in Goma, as well as those displaced, remains our top priority, alongside ensuring the safety of UN personnel,” he stressed.
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Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Bruno Lemarquis, UN Deputy Special Representative, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC, speaking from Goma, described a dire humanitarian situation.
“What is unfolding in Goma compounds one of the most prolonged, complex, and severe humanitarian crises in the world,” he said. Over 6.5 million people are displaced nationwide, including nearly 3 million in North Kivu province alone.
Lemarquis painted a harrowing picture of mass displacement and escalating violence. “Civilians are bearing the brunt of hostilities,” he said, citing heavy artillery fire targeting Goma’s city center. Tragically, several shells struck the Charity Maternity Hospital, leading to deaths and injuries, including among newborns and pregnant women.
Hospitals are overwhelmed with the influx of wounded civilians, while basic services such as water, electricity, and internet remain severely disrupted. Lemarquis called for urgent humanitarian pauses to allow the safe evacuation of civilians and the delivery of aid. “We must act now to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of Goma’s people,” he implored.
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Rwanda’s Involvement
Responding to inquiries regarding Rwanda’s role, Mr. Lacroix confirmed the presence of Rwandan forces supporting the M23 rebel group in Goma, noting significant troop deployments. He strongly condemned the killing of UN peacekeepers, which included three fatalities—two from South Africa and one from Uruguay—and injuries to 12 others.
The UN underscored its demand for all parties, including Rwanda, to respect the safety of peacekeepers. Mr. Lacroix acknowledged Rwanda’s role as a major troop-contributing country to UN missions but emphasized the immediate need to focus on saving lives and halting hostilities. “At this moment, the emergency response takes precedence,” he said.
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Calls for Diplomatic Solutions
Highlighting ongoing peace efforts, Mr. Lacroix reaffirmed the UN’s support for regional initiatives, including the East African Community’s planned summit on January 28 and an African Union Peace and Security Council meeting the following day.
Both Lacroix and Lemarquis made a plea for greater international engagement. Lemarquis pointed to a recent $70 million allocation from the Central Emergency Response Fund to bolster humanitarian relief.
The press conference concluded with a stark warning from Mr. Lacroix: “I urge the international community to intensify its engagement to prevent further bloodshed and to support the humanitarian response. We must act now.”
The situation in Goma underscores the urgent need for international solidarity and decisive action to address the humanitarian and security challenges gripping the region.
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