DRC conflict deepens as crisis worsens

By Nuray Mustafa
January 29, 2025 06:58
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Reuters

The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is escalating, with supply shortages, looting, and mass displacement. MONUSCO warns of depleting resources, while tensions with Rwanda intensify. Urgent international action is needed to prevent further devastation.

Vivian van de Perre, MONUSCO’s Deputy Special Representative, stated at an emergency meeting of the Security Council that supply convoys are struggling, and resources are depleting rapidly.

Rapidly Deteriorating Conditions Van de Perre, speaking via video link from Goma, highlighted damages to water tanks, generators, and vehicles in camps. “Many troops are facing critical shortages of equipment, including water, food, medical supplies, and blood. Fuel shortages have rendered generators inoperable, impacting communication systems,” she noted.

Looting and Weapons Proliferation The escalation of conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. Van de Perre reported that MONUSCO’s warehouse at Goma airport had been looted, further reducing already limited supplies. “The courthouse in Goma has also been looted, and abandoned military depots are being ransacked by civilians, leading to the proliferation of weapons,” she emphasized.

Displacement Crisis and Human Rights Violations Once again, civilians are bearing the brunt of the conflict. Van de Perre noted that thousands have been displaced, families separated, and armed groups have become more active. Furthermore, the escape of prisoners from Goma prison has worsened the security situation. “This increases the vulnerability of women and children to sexual and gender-based violence,” she warned.

UN human rights monitors have documented an ethnically motivated lynching at an internally displaced persons (IDP) site in Goma in the past four days. “Journalists are also facing physical and verbal attacks due to their perceived ethnic identity,” Van de Perre added.

Calls for International Action The MONUSCO official urged the international community to take immediate action, calling for the establishment of humanitarian corridors. “Humanitarian corridors must be opened between Goma, Minova, and Bukavu. This will enable the delivery of essential supplies and ensure the safe movement of civilians,” she said.

DRC: "The International Community Remains Silent" The DRC’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, criticized the international community for its inaction. “In the past 48 hours, we have met twice, but what concrete results have we achieved?” she questioned. She highlighted that in January alone, 500,000 new internally displaced persons (IDPs) had been recorded in North and South Kivu.

According to Wagner, the Rwandan Defense Forces and their M23 allies have breached Congolese borders, occupied towns, displaced citizens, and established parallel administrations in violation of international law.

Rwanda’s Response Rwanda’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ernest Rwamucyo, countered by accusing DRC forces of attacking Rwandan territory. “On January 26, the M23/AFC rebel group reportedly took control of Goma. In response, retreating DRC forces launched attacks on Rubavu, Rwanda, killing five civilians and injuring 35 others,” he stated.

Rwamucyo reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to peace. “Rwanda has always exercised restraint and sought dialogue with the DRC to address the root causes of insecurity in the region and along our shared border. We have the most to lose from the continuation of this conflict,” he emphasized.

Current Situation The humanitarian situation in the DRC has reached a critical level. If MONUSCO and international organizations do not intervene immediately, thousands of lives will be at risk. Amidst political accusations, the prospects for peace continue to fade.

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Congo DRC Humanitarian Crisis
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