The M23 rebels’ advances in Goma have prompted humanitarian organizations to withdraw staff due to safety concerns. Mercy Corps has moved personnel to Gisenyi, Rwanda, as conflict escalates with casualties reported among peacekeepers. The U.N. Security Council has called for a ceasefire amid a dire humanitarian situation, with local residents fearing ongoing violence. Diplomatic efforts are underway, led by regional leaders seeking to mediate the crisis.
Recent conflicts between M23 rebels and government forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have led various humanitarian organizations to withdraw staff from Goma, the region’s largest city. As reported, the Rwandan-supported rebels claimed to have gained control over Goma, prompting humanitarian groups to reassess their safety protocols. Mercy Corps has relocated its personnel due to escalating violence, particularly after the fall of critical supply routes which signaled a potentially severe situation in Goma, impacting its approximately 2 million residents.
Rose Tchwenko, Mercy Corps’ country director for the DRC, acknowledged the deteriorating circumstances. She stated, “We made some decisions, first to move out non-essential staff, pull back our teams from the ground where it was no longer safe to continue to provide humanitarian services.” The increasingly precarious situation prompted the evacuation of senior staff to Gisenyi, Rwanda, to ensure continued operations while prioritizing safety.
In Goma, the humanitarian situation has worsened, with reports of ongoing fighting and the airport under rebel control, making evacuation and humanitarian efforts difficult. Tchwenko expressed concerns about safety, noting sporadic gunfire heard even from across the border. The reality of the conflict creates tremendous uncertainty as M23 remains present in the city without clarity on the situation’s outcome.
The violent clashes have resulted in casualties among international peacekeepers, including the deaths of three U.N. peacekeepers and soldiers from South Africa and Malawi. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting, calling for a ceasefire and expressing deep concern regarding the escalating violence. Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, emphasized the dire circumstances by stating, “Roads are blocked and the airport can no longer be used for evacuation or humanitarian efforts.”
Local residents, like Jack Mongi, have reported intense fighting, with many seeking shelter from the violence. The Congolese foreign minister described the situation as “a frontal assault, a declaration of war.” There has been ongoing condemnation of the attacks, with calls for accountability from officials, including the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Dorothy Shea, insisting on a ceasefire to restore peace.
In response to the escalating crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto has reached out to both the Congolese and Rwandan leaders, advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities. As the chair of the East African Community, Ruto plans to organize a summit in the forthcoming days to address the conflict and devise a resolution for the region’s stability.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced prolonged conflicts involving various rebel groups such as M23, which has historical ties to Rwandan backing. The eastern region, particularly Goma, is pivotal both strategically and due to its population. Humanitarian organizations like Mercy Corps play a crucial role in providing aid, but their operations are severely affected by the deteriorating security situation. The recent clashes have raised alarms internationally, prompting diplomatic reactions and emergency meetings to seek solutions and support for humanitarian efforts.
The situation in Goma reflects a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the advances of M23 rebels and the withdrawal of international aid organizations. With reports confirming the rebels’ control over critical infrastructure, the safety of civilians and aid workers is at risk. International calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic interventions highlight the urgent need for resolution and support for the affected populations. Failure to restore stability may lead to further humanitarian disasters in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
