Gunfire erupted in Goma as U.N. officials warned of a deteriorating humanitarian situation amid ongoing clashes between Congolese troops and Rwandan-backed rebels. The World Food Program has paused food assistance, and crucial services have been disrupted. Meanwhile, international diplomatic efforts are underway to find a resolution, but violence continues to threaten the safety of civilians and peacekeeping forces in the region.
Gunfire erupted in Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, prompting the United Nations to express deep concern over the humanitarian situation. The clashes involve Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed rebels, who claim control of the region. U.N. spokesperson Jens Laerke reported that hospitals are overwhelmed, and the World Food Program has temporarily suspended food assistance in the area.
Crisis discussions are scheduled, with Kenyan President William Ruto facilitating talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Ruto emphasized that there is no military solution to this conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the assault by M23 rebels, affirming the United States’ respect for the sovereignty of the DRC during a phone call with President Tshisekedi.
Despite the rebels’ claims of control, U.N. resident coordinator Bruno Lemarquis stated that fighting in Goma continues without resolution, noting that the situation remains fluid and perilous. He reported combat activity has spread throughout Goma, causing severe disruptions to essential services and leading to looting of humanitarian warehouses.
The renewal of violence began when M23 rebels broke a ceasefire earlier this year and launched an offensive with Rwandan military support. The U.N. has called for an immediate ceasefire by the M23 rebels and for Rwandan forces to withdraw, seeking a return to mediation under Angolan President João Lourenço.
Lemarquis urged all parties to agree on temporary humanitarian pauses to resume humanitarian activities and ensure safe evacuations of injured civilians trapped in hostilities. The United Nations has allocated $17 million from its emergency fund for urgent humanitarian needs in the DRC amid ongoing unrest.
As a precaution, nonessential U.N. personnel are being evacuated from Goma to safer locations. The peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, has bolstered its forces in Goma in response to the advancing rebels, deploying various military resources to counter threats.
U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix emphasized the urgency of achieving an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect the millions of civilians affected by the ongoing violence, especially in Goma. Tragically, the recent conflict has also resulted in the deaths of three U.N. peacekeepers.
Prior to this latest escalation, eastern DRC faced one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with approximately 6.5 million individuals displaced due to persistent violence from armed groups vying for control over valuable mineral resources.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in the eastern region where Goma is located, has persisted for years due to various armed groups, including M23 rebels who have links to Rwanda. This conflict has resulted in catastrophic humanitarian conditions, including mass displacement and disruption of basic services. The involvement of international actors, such as the United Nations and the U.S., highlights the global interest in stabilizing the region and addressing the humanitarian crisis that has claimed millions of lives. The recent surge in violence exacerbates an already dire situation, prompting urgent calls for immediate interventions and negotiations to restore peace and security.
The humanitarian situation in Goma, DRC, is deteriorating due to intense fighting between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The U.N. is calling for immediate ceasefires and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to alleviate suffering. With widespread disruptions to essential services, the international community faces an urgent task of providing assistance to the millions affected by this prolonged conflict. Diplomatic efforts are being prioritized, but the outlook remains precarious as violence continues to escalate.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
