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.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have withdrawn from the strategic town of Walikale, describing the move as a goodwill gesture ahead of planned peace talks with the government next week.
Thomas Lubanga, a convicted war criminal, has announced the formation of the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CPR) in eastern Congo's Ituri province, posing a new security threat as Congo's army faces advances by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
A record 28 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo face acute hunger, driven by escalating conflict and economic instability, the UN warns. With food insecurity worsening, humanitarian agencies struggle to respond amid funding cuts.
In an effort to rejuvenate peace talks surrounding the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, Southern and Eastern African countries have expanded their team of former heads of state overseeing the mediation process.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have announced plans to reposition their forces from the town of Walikale, which they seized earlier this week, in an effort to support broader initiatives aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment