Escalating Crisis in Goma, DR Congo: Urgent Action Demanded by UN Security Council

The UN Security Council convened to address the escalating crisis in Goma, DRC, where violence has resulted in massive displacements and humanitarian crises. Vivian van de Perre from MONUSCO reported urgent needs for coordinated international action. Issues include attacks by M23 and RDF forces, overwhelming IDP sites, and the imperative for humanitarian corridors. She called for a political resolution to avert further violence and the looming threat of wider conflict.

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the severe crisis in Goma, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), exacerbated by violence between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces. Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), highlighted the urgent need for coordinated international action amidst a deteriorating humanitarian situation.

Recent clashes have caused significant displacement, with over 178,000 individuals fleeing from Kalehe territory following the M23’s capture of Minova. Many of these displaced persons now crowd IDP sites in Goma, overwhelming local infrastructure and further intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

Ms. van de Perre reported that despite previous appeals for restraint, the M23 and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) intensified their assault on Goma, resulting in civilian casualties and extensive trauma among the local population. MONUSCO’s role remains vital, as it provides refuge to both civilians and combatants seeking safety, but is currently strained.

The mission is struggling to accommodate the high influx of individuals, including approximately 1,200 Congolese soldiers and over a thousand civilians, which places immense pressure on resources. Additionally, damage to essential facilities has compromised the security of UN personnel, underlining the precarious nature of operations on the ground.

Casualty evacuation has become increasingly difficult due to ongoing hostilities and threats; despite Goma airport being closed, MONUSCO continues to facilitate medical evacuations in cooperation with other missions. The situation is perilous, with the risk of weapon proliferation heightened as armed forces merge with civilians amid the chaos.

The humanitarian toll has been severe, affecting particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children, who face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence. Ms. van de Perre emphasized the need for all parties involved to protect lives and ensure access to basic services.

She called for an immediate cessation of violence and for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate aid. Ultimately, she stressed the necessity of resuming the Luanda Process to foster a peaceful resolution to avoid an escalation into a broader conflict. MONUSCO, while facing considerable challenges, remains crucial for supporting vulnerable populations in Goma.

The UN Security Council’s urgent discussions reflect the escalating humanitarian crisis in Goma, DR Congo. Vivian van de Perre’s detailed briefing underscores the dire need for international cooperation to halt violence and protect vulnerable populations. The establishment of humanitarian corridors and a political resolution through the Luanda Process are essential to prevent further suffering and conflict in the region. MONUSCO plays a critical role, yet faces significant operational challenges that hinder its effectiveness.

Original Source: news.un.org