In a meeting with President Félix Tshisekedi on Thursday, January 30th, parliamentarians from North and South Kivu provinces painted a grim picture of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Goma, describing a city in crisis.
According to a statement from the presidency, elected officials described a “dramatic” situation in the North Kivu capital, where essential services are severely disrupted. “Dead bodies are littering the streets of Goma,” they reported, highlighting the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict. Water and electricity supplies have been cut off for several days, leaving residents without access to basic necessities like food and clean water.
Despite the grim situation, President Tshisekedi, described as “calm” by the parliamentarians, assured them that he is working closely with MONUSCO and humanitarian organizations to provide relief to the affected population. “The diplomatic process is evolving very well,” Safari Nganizi, president of the caucus of elected officials from North Kivu, quoted the Congolese head of state as saying.
The parliamentarians expressed their “total support” for the president’s efforts, whether “political, diplomatic, or military,” to restore the territorial sovereignty of the DRC. MP Nganizi emphasized the need for the international community to “hear the voice of the DRC” and demand the “withdrawal of Rwandan troops” from Congolese territory.
This meeting comes amid heightened tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of directly supporting the M23 rebel movement, a claim that Rwanda vehemently denies.
The situation in eastern DRC remains volatile and poses a significant humanitarian challenge. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and urging all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety and well-being of the civilian population.
AC/sf/lb/abj/APA