UN Security Council Urges Immediate Action to Halt Violence in DR Congo
The UN Security Council met urgently to address the escalating violence in Goma, DRC, driven by the M23 rebels and Rwandan forces. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over 178,000 individuals, overwhelming local resources. MONUSCO’s role remains critical amid this humanitarian crisis, yet safety for civilians and peacekeepers is increasingly compromised. Urgent, coordinated global action is essential to alleviate the suffering and restore stability in the region.
The UN Security Council convened its second urgent meeting within three days to address the worsening crisis in Goma, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), reported the alarming humanitarian situation in Goma and called for urgent international cooperation to halt the violent clashes between the M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, and Congolese forces.
According to Ms. van de Perre, the recent confrontations have caused significant displacement, with over 178,000 individuals fleeing Kalehe territory after the M23 gained control of Minova. The influx of more than 34,000 displaced individuals into already overcrowded sites in and around Goma has further strained the city’s resources and exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.
The attacks led by M23 and Rwandan forces have worsened civilian suffering, resulting in casualties and additional displacement. Ms. van de Perre emphasized MONUSCO’s critical role in sheltering and protecting civilians, reporting that the Uruguayan Battalion has taken in approximately 2,200 individuals, placing enormous stress on its limited resources.
The safety of MONUSCO bases has been compromised by recent attacks, leading to injuries among peacekeepers and endangered personnel. In the last three days, the bases have suffered mortar strikes and gunfire, compelling MONUSCO to continue medical evacuations despite the closure of Goma airport.
As the M23 and Rwandan forces capture strategic locations like Goma’s airport, the risks of weapons proliferation increase, with fighters blending into civilian populations. Ms. van de Perre discussed the heightened vulnerability of women and children to gender-based violence amid the chaos and urged all parties involved to protect lives and ensure access to essential services.
She further called for the establishment of humanitarian corridors and the reopening of vital transportation pathways to facilitate assistance in the region. Ms. van de Perre stressed that military solutions will not resolve the ongoing conflict and urged a return to diplomatic discussions under the Luanda Process led by the Angolan Government.
The briefing concluded with an urgent call for a coordinated global response to the escalating crisis in Goma. Despite its ongoing assistance, MONUSCO’s efficacy is severely tested due to the incessant violence impacting civilians. It is imperative that the protection of civilians and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution become paramount to alleviate suffering in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has faced longstanding violence driven by political instability, ethnic tensions, and external influences. The M23 rebel group, which has received support from neighboring Rwanda, has been a significant force behind the conflict in eastern DRC. The humanitarian situation in areas like Goma has deteriorated due to these conflicts, leading to mass displacements and severe crises affecting basic services and security for civilians.
In summary, the situation in Goma is urgent and requires immediate international intervention to protect civilians and end the violence. MONUSCO plays a critical role, but the current circumstances challenge its operations. Humanitarian access must be restored, and diplomatic solutions, like reviving the Luanda Process, should be prioritized to avoid further escalation and resolve the conflict.
Original Source: news.un.org
