APA – Kinshasa (DRD) – The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) said it had increased its presence over the weekend in Goma, North Kivu province, due to the new escalation of hostilities in the east of the country.
It reiterated its call on the M23 armed group to cease its offensive.
MONUSCO peacekeepers continue to support the Congolese army by defending the main roads leading to the key towns of Sake and Goma, the capital of North Kivu, UN Secretary-General’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, told a news briefing in New York.
Due to the deteriorating security situation around Sake and Goma, the mission is increasing its presence there by bringing in South African peacekeepers from the Force’s Intervention Brigade, based in Beni, in the north of the province, the statement quoted the senior UN official as saying on Tuesday.
MONUSCO military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mensah Kadagni said the deployment of these South African soldiers reinforces MONUSCO units already deployed. The Force Commander had previously deployed Pakistani forces from South Kivu province as part of cooperation with the Congolese army.
“”These efforts demonstrate the strong determination to protect civilians in Goma and Sake,” he said.
“In order to fulfill its mandate to protect civilians and enable displaced persons, including women, children and the elderly, the MONUSCO force has established a security perimeter near its base in Kitshanga to protect the 25,000 civilians seeking refuge due to the deteriorating security situation,” he added. “It has enabled the delivery of medical aid and the supply of drinking water to the displaced, it said.
This deterioration of security in North Kivu comes as MONUSCO prepares for its gradual disengagement from the DR Congo.
In December last year, the UN Security Council decided to extend MONUSCO’s mandate for one year, until 20 December 2024, while deciding to initiate its “gradual, responsible and sustainable withdrawal” from the country.
The Council decided, inter alia, that MONUSCO will withdraw its force from South Kivu province by the end of April 2024 and limit its mandate to North Kivu and Ituri provinces from May 2024 until the end of the current mandate period.
CU/as/APA