The United Nations has expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where escalating violence is severely restricting access to vulnerable populations. The fighting, particularly in North and South Kivu provinces, has left aid organizations struggling to reach those in need.
Following intense clashes in Goma last week, a fragile calm has settled over the city, but tensions remain high, according to UN News. While sporadic gunfire has decreased within Goma itself, fighting continues in surrounding areas, especially in Sake, northwest of the city. The UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, is focused on protecting its personnel and the civilians sheltering in its compounds while conducting patrols to assess the situation and facilitate the delivery of essential supplies.
Goma’s airport has been closed since January 26, and key access routes, including the RN2 highway, are blocked. The border between Goma and Gisenyi, Rwanda, has also been shut down since January 28. The UN is urgently calling for the creation of humanitarian corridors to allow the safe passage of displaced people seeking refuge and the delivery of vital aid.
The situation is equally dire in South Kivu, where routes to Minova have been cut off since January 18, effectively isolating communities in need of humanitarian assistance. Negotiations are underway to establish a corridor for emergency aid.
The renewed fighting, involving M23 rebels, has intensified an already protracted crisis that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced countless individuals. In Kinshasa, protests have erupted, with demonstrators targeting embassies to express their frustration with perceived international inaction.
The conflict has also sparked tensions between regional leaders. A recent exchange between the presidents of South Africa and Rwanda highlighted the complexities of the situation. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa cited the deaths of 13 South African soldiers in eastern DRC, attributing the escalation to the “M23 rebel group and the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF).” His use of the term “militia” to describe the Rwandan forces drew a sharp rebuke from Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), condemned what he called “deliberate distortions” and “lies” in the South African statements, insisting that the RDF is an army, not a militia.
Amidst this volatile environment, the UN has announced the appointment of Brazilian General Ulisses De Mesquita Gomes as the new MONUSCO force commander. He has pledged to work with all mission components to “protect civilians” and contribute to building a better future for the Congolese people.
MONUSCO peacekeepers are actively supporting the Congolese armed forces and regional troops in their fight against the M23 rebels, including providing direct artillery support.
ODL/ac/sf/lb/abj/APA