The UN Security Council convened to address the DRC crisis, emphasizing urgent international action to stop the violence in Goma amid overwhelming humanitarian issues. Over 178,000 individuals have been displaced, and the humanitarian situation is dire due to conflict, overwhelming the city’s infrastructure. MONUSCO continues to play a critical role in providing safety while facing resource challenges, stressing that military solutions are insufficient and that a political resolution is necessary.
On Tuesday, the UN Security Council held its second emergency meeting in three days to confront the escalating crisis in Goma, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo’s capital. Vivian van de Perre, the Deputy Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), emphasized the urgent need for coordinated international intervention to halt the fighting between M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, and Congolese forces.
Ms. van de Perre reported significant humanitarian issues arising from the conflict, with over 178,000 individuals displaced after M23 seized control of Minova. The influx of over 34,000 refugees into already overcrowded internally displaced persons (IDP) sites in Goma has further strained the city’s already limited resources and infrastructure, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Despite international appeals at a Security Council meeting held on January 26, the M23 and Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) launched a heavy attack on Goma. “These attacks have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, further displacement, and significant trauma among the population,” Ms. van de Perre noted, highlighting the growing humanitarian challenges.
She also remarked on MONUSCO’s crucial role in offering safety and shelter to displaced individuals, including surrendering military personnel who have sought refuge. However, she mentioned that the mission’s bases are inadequately supplied to manage the high number of civilians and armed elements seeking shelter, adding pressure on its resources.
The situation has been exacerbated by assaults on UN facilities, with recent artillery strikes damaging water tanks and other infrastructure. “Our bases are not safe: two mortars have hit MONUSCO bases and compounds in the last three days,” Ms. van de Perre stated. The evacuation of injured peacekeepers and civilians remains a critical challenge, particularly due to the ongoing violence and the temporary closure of Goma’s airport.
She reiterated MONUSCO’s commitment to facilitating medical evacuations despite the risks, stating, “We continue to do our utmost to ensure timely evacuation of injured peacekeepers and other casualties.” The advancing M23 forces also pose challenges in controlling weapons proliferation and increase the vulnerability of women and children to sexual violence.
In light of this escalating crisis, Ms. van de Perre called for immediate action to protect civilians and ensure access to fundamental services. She urged governments and parties involved to recognize the severe humanitarian suffering in Goma.
Moreover, political resolutions were called for, recognizing that military solutions are not viable. She advocated for the continuation of the Luanda Process under Angola’s guidance to prevent the potential emergence of a third Congo war, emphasizing the protection of civilians as a priority in efforts to resolve the conflict.
The ongoing violence in Goma has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with rapid displacement and increasing vulnerability of affected populations. Urgent international cooperation and political dialogue are essential to alleviate suffering and restore peace in the region. As the situation escalates, the role of MONUSCO remains pivotal, yet it faces severe resource challenges amid the conflict. The focus must shift towards a political resolution to ensure long-term stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Original Source: news.un.org
