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.
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One hundred years after the First World War and more than eighty years after the devastation of the Second World War gave rise to the United Nations, humanity once again finds itself living in an age of permanent crisis.
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