Humanitarian Crisis in Goma: Relief Agencies Withdraw Amid Rebel Advance
As M23 rebels advance control in Goma, DRC, humanitarian organizations withdraw staff due to escalated violence and security concerns, heightening international calls for a ceasefire and intervention. UN meetings emphasize the critical nature of the situation, with ongoing clashes reported and significant losses among peacekeeping forces.
As violence escalates between M23 rebels and government forces in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), humanitarian organizations are withdrawing staff from Goma due to security concerns. Recently, the M23 rebels have claimed control of Goma, which houses approximately 2 million residents. Rose Tchwenko, Mercy Corps’ country director, disclosed that the organization had been closely monitoring the situation, which worsened after significant territorial losses of government forces last week.
On Sunday, after conflict intensified near Goma, Mercy Corps necessary relocated even senior staff to Gisenyi, Rwanda, to ensure operational continuity while facilitating necessary support across the country. Tchwenko described the current conditions as dire, noting that Goma’s airport is now under M23 control, with reports of ongoing clashes within the city. Local residents have recounted gunfire, indicating the precarious security situation.
Reports indicate that last week saw deaths among UN peacekeepers and soldiers from South Africa and Malawi, highlighting the conflict’s severity. The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the violence, denouncing the hostilities. Bintou Keita, head of the UN mission in Congo, indicated that roads are impassable, and the airport is no longer functional for humanitarian assistance.
Jack Mongi, a local Goma resident, reported in a WhatsApp message that gunfire persists near the airport while people seek shelter under furniture. Congolese Foreign Minister communicated to the UN Security Council that the situation represents a ‘frontal assault’ against the nation’s sovereignty. Countries participating in the Security Council meeting condemned the ongoing attacks, with the acting U.S. Ambassador emphasizing the need for accountability measures against those perpetuating conflict.
Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has reached out to both Congolese and Rwandan leaders, advocating for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Ruto, also chair of the East African Community, plans to convene an extraordinary summit to strategize solutions to the prevailing crisis.
This report pertains to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, specifically in Goma, where M23 rebels have intensified their offensive against government forces. The situation has led to humanitarian organizations withdrawing their staff due to safety concerns amid significant casualties reported. The escalating violence has attracted international attention, prompting emergency discussions within the UN Security Council and calls for a ceasefire by various global leaders.
This article highlights the deteriorating security situation in Goma, DRC, as M23 rebels advance, prompting the withdrawal of humanitarian workers. The conflict has resulted in international concerns, with calls for ceasefire from various leaders and organizations. As violence persists, efforts by regional leaders to mediate and restore stability are crucial.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
