Goma, DRC, faces escalating violence from Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, overwhelming local hospitals and prompting a suspension of food aid. Crisis talks involving regional leaders are scheduled to address the conflict. The U.N. calls for immediate cessation of hostilities and humanitarian support, marking a critical juncture in the humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
The city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been shaken by armed conflict, as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels clash with Congolese soldiers. The United Nations (U.N.) has raised alarms regarding the deteriorating humanitarian conditions, highlighting that local hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties. Additionally, the World Food Program has suspended food assistance in the region due to the escalating violence, further compounding the crisis’s severity.
Kenyan President William Ruto has announced planned crisis discussions with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, emphasizing that the conflict cannot be resolved through military action. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the rebel aggression against Goma, affirming the United States’ support for the DRC’s sovereignty in a phone conversation with President Tshisekedi.
Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. resident coordinator in the DRC, confirmed that fighting is ongoing despite the M23’s claim of control, describing the situation as dangerous and fluid. He noted that combat zones now span all areas of Goma, disrupting essential services such as water, electricity, and communication, while humanitarian facilities have been looted.
The M23 rebels violated a ceasefire in January and, with Rwandan military support, have expanded their territorial claims, seeking to advance into South Kivu province. The United Nations Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are urging an immediate halt to hostilities from the M23 and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces, advocating a return to mediation efforts spearheaded by Angolan President João Lourenço.
Lemarquis called for temporary humanitarian pauses, proposing the establishment of safe corridors for humanitarian aid and the evacuation of civilians caught in fighting. In response to urgent humanitarian needs in the DRC, the U.N. recently allocated $17 million from its emergency fund. The organization is also evacuating nonessential staff from Goma due to rising concerns for their safety.
The U.N. peacekeeping mission in the DRC has fortified its measures against the advancing rebels by deploying special forces and reserves. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the U.N. peacekeeping chief, emphasized the necessity of an immediate cessation of hostilities for the safety of civilians and personnel. Recent violence has led to fatalities among U.N. peacekeepers, underlining the perilous nature of the conflict.
The humanitarian situation in Goma has been exacerbated by sustained hostilities involving the M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by Rwanda. This conflict follows a history of violence in eastern DRC, characterized by numerous armed groups vying for control of the region’s resources. The DRC is among the countries with the highest levels of displacement worldwide, a crisis that has persisted for many years, affecting millions who are vulnerable and in need of support.
In summary, the situation in Goma remains dire as violence continues to escalate between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed rebels. The U.N. and other international bodies are calling for a ceasefire and urgent humanitarian support, highlighting the pressing need for a comprehensive resolution to the ongoing crisis. The survival and well-being of countless civilians depend on the immediate actions taken by local and international leaders to restore peace and provide necessary assistance.
Original Source: www.voanews.com