Continued violence and looting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are significantly hindering aid operations and escalating the humanitarian crisis, the United Nations (UN) reported.
A UN spokesperson provided an update on the situation, stating that clashes are ongoing in surrounding areas, including Sake, located northwest of Goma. Despite some signs of a calm security situation in Goma, sporadic shootings continue, and the overall humanitarian situation remains dire. “The mission’s priority right now remains the protection of its personnel, its assets, and the many civilians sheltering within UN premises,” Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said. He noted that peacekeepers are conducting patrols in Goma to assess security and deliver necessary supplies.
Meanwhile, in Kinshasa, the capital, the situation remains calm despite earlier calls for protests. Reports indicate empty main roads and closed supermarkets due to the high risk of looting, according to UN peacekeepers on the ground.
The UN also paid tribute to three peacekeepers killed in recent clashes. The fallen soldiers include Private Rodolpho Cipriano Alverez Suarez from Uruguay, and South Africans Private Mokote Joseph Mobe and Private Andries Tshidiso Mabele. The total number of peacekeepers injured during the latest M23 assault has now reached 22. Dujarric reiterated the UN’s stance that attacks on peacekeepers are not only unacceptable but could constitute a war crime.
As the violence continues, humanitarian aid efforts are severely impacted. “Looting and violence against humanitarian warehouses in Goma are continuing, preventing aid workers from responding effectively,” Dujarric warned. The escalation of fighting has left over 2,000 people injured, with several bodies remaining in the streets. Water and electricity have been cut off since January 26th, and the UN has called for the immediate restoration of these essential services.
Access restrictions continue to hinder relief efforts. The airport in Goma remains closed, suspending humanitarian cargo deliveries and staff rotations, while most of the roads connecting Goma to the rest of the country are also blocked. However, the border with Rwanda is open, allowing some additional humanitarian teams to enter.
The UN once again urged all parties involved to respect international humanitarian law and cease targeting civilians, as the situation in Congo remains critical.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) took first place in state elections in northeastern Germany on Sunday,...
Iran's military has threatened to launch sustained attacks on U.S. bases and interests across the Middle East if Washington resumes milita...
Overnight Russian strikes on the city of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, have killed one woman and injured a man, the country's State Emergency Servic...
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met and U.S. commitments are implemented, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday. A mother and her two 3-year-old children were killed when a Russian drone strike hit a private home, the emergency service said.
Russian authorities have reported attacks on voting systems and communication lines as the country’s parliamentary election entered its second day on Saturday (19 September).
Overnight Russian strikes on the city of Sumy, northeast Ukraine, have killed one woman and injured a man, the country's State Emergency Service has said.
The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) took first place in state elections in northeastern Germany on Sunday, voting projections showed, delivering the worst result for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's mainstream conservative party since 1949.
The Left Party won Sunday's Berlin state election with 25.5 per cent of the vote in the preliminary result, ahead of the Christian Democrats (CDU) on 19.1 per cent. This marks a major shift in the city's political landscape and a setback for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's ruling coalition.
A group of French nationals, suspected of belonging to the Islamic State (IS), on trial in Iraq could face execution, a member of Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council told a hearing in Baghdad on Sunday.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has prepared sanctions targeting the entire International Criminal Court (ICC) and could announce them soon, escalating Washington's efforts to pressure the global tribunal.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment