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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Poland has submitted a judicial reform plan to European legal experts, aiming to reverse PiS-era changes criticized by the EU and unlock frozen funds. The move comes ahead of presidential elections, with a Tusk-backed candidate leading in polls.
The U.S. has proposed a final peace framework to end the Russia-Ukraine war, offering a ceasefire, territorial compromises, security guarantees for Ukraine, and renewed economic ties with Russia, according to talks held in Paris.
Pakistan shut the Wagah border, expelled Indian defence attachés and warned of war over water on Friday after rejecting India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 25th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Russia said its air defences shot down 87 Ukrainian drones over four border regions early Thursday, while simultaneous missile-and-drone strikes on Kyiv left at least 12 people dead and more than 100 injured.
Poland has submitted a judicial reform plan to European legal experts, aiming to reverse PiS-era changes criticized by the EU and unlock frozen funds. The move comes ahead of presidential elections, with a Tusk-backed candidate leading in polls.
The U.S. has proposed a final peace framework to end the Russia-Ukraine war, offering a ceasefire, territorial compromises, security guarantees for Ukraine, and renewed economic ties with Russia, according to talks held in Paris.
Russia and Iran have signaled their commitment to deepen energy cooperation by working on new overland gas corridors, according to a statement from the Russian Cabinet.
Pakistan shut the Wagah border, expelled Indian defence attachés and warned of war over water on Friday after rejecting India’s move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty.
Citing sustained cross-border terrorism and a recent deadly attack in Jammu and Kashmir, India has decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, a decision that marks a significant shift in regional water diplomacy.
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