The United Nations Monday begins scrambling some of its nonessential workers from Goma in view of the deteriorating security situation in North Kivu.
Thousands of people have been fleeing the capital of North Kivu since M23 rebels claimed they have taken the city although the DR Congo led by Felix Tshisekedi said it is still under government control.
Some reports suggest that the rebels have surrounded the city while government troops beat a retreat, leaving Goma on the brink of falling to M23 fighters.
Given the fluidity of the situation, the UN said some of its workers being moved to safer parts of the country include administrative staff and others that can continue performing their duties from elsewhere.
This precautionary measure safeguards staff safety while ensuring the UN’s vital operations in the region remain uninterrupted, it said in a statement seen by APA.
The UN says 13 peacekeepers have been killed since the conflict between the rebels and Congolese forces began escalating.
The main border crossings between the two countries are closed as only nonessential UN workers were allowed to cross into Rwanda from DR Congo.
”This transfer does not affect the UN’s unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians in North Kivu. Essential personnel remain on the ground, sustaining critical operations such as food distribution, medical assistance, shelter, and protection for vulnerable communities” the statement from the UN said.
The UN said it is working closely with humanitarian partners and national authorities to ensure life-saving assistance reaches those most in need and prevent any threat against civilians.
”In this vein, the temporary relocation of staff will be reassessed based on the evolution of the security situation, with the aim of fully restoring the presence as soon as conditions allow” it said.
Meanwhile the authorities in Kinshasa are accusing neighbouring Rwanda of sending troops to back the M23 in their invasion of Goma, an allegation which Kigali has denied.
However Rwanda said the presence of its troops in the area was a response to threat to its own national security given the escalating conflict in DR Congo.
WN/as/APA