UN Security Council Urges Immediate Action to Address Crisis in Goma
The UN Security Council convened to address the humanitarian crisis in Goma, DRC, where fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces has displaced over 178,000 people. MONUSCO has seen a surge in refugees seeking safety, and existing facilities are overwhelmed. Humanitarian efforts are being hindered by ongoing violence, highlighting the need for international action and political resolutions to end the conflict.
The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the escalating crisis in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe resulting from clashes between M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, and Congolese forces. This conflict has displaced over 178,000 individuals, compounding the challenges faced in an already overcrowded region.
In her briefing, Ms. van de Perre reported increasing civilian casualties and trauma due to the attacks on Goma, which also resulted in further displacement. She emphasized MONUSCO’s critical role in sheltering refugees and noted that existing facilities are overwhelmed, as evidenced by the Uruguayan Battalion accommodating over 1,200 Congolese soldiers and a thousand civilians.
The situation poses additional risks, as UN personnel face threats, with mortar fire damaging bases. MONUSCO has prioritized casualty evacuations, despite logistical complications due to the conflict. Efforts continue to ensure that injured peacekeepers are swiftly evacuated to the level 3 hospital in Goma.
The advance of M23 forces heightens concerns over weapon proliferation as combatants integrate with local civilian populations. Moreover, the increase in internally displaced persons (IDPs) raises the vulnerability of women and children to gender-based violence. Ms. van de Perre called for robust protections amidst these dire circumstances and for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate aid.
She stressed the necessity of pursuing a political solution and emphasized that military action alone cannot resolve the ongoing conflict. Urging for a renewed focus on the Luanda Process, she emphasized the importance of an immediate and coordinated international response to avert further suffering and potential escalation into a third Congo war.
Ultimately, the protection of civilians and the pursuit of peace must be prioritized to alleviate the ongoing suffering in Goma, as highlighted by MONUSCO’s deputy head, emphasizing that urgent action is essential to end the violence.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been enduring prolonged conflict, which has severely impacted civilian populations, particularly in the eastern regions such as Goma. The involvement of regional military actors like Rwanda has further complicated the situation, often exacerbating humanitarian crises. The UN Security Council has been actively engaged in attempts to stabilize the region through missions like MONUSCO, which aims to protect civilians and facilitate peace efforts amid ongoing violence.
In summary, the security situation in Goma remains critical, with a significant humanitarian crisis unfolding. The UN Security Council, through MONUSCO, is working diligently to manage the repercussions of the conflict between M23 rebels and Congolese forces. Urgent international cooperation and political dialogue are essential to restore stability and protect vulnerable populations from the horrors of ongoing violence.
Original Source: news.un.org
