Synopsis
The UN reports that while the situation in Goma, DRC, has calmed, tensions persist with sporadic incidents of violence affecting humanitarian efforts. MONUSCO has noted a decrease in conflict within the city but ongoing clashes in surrounding areas. The UN emphasizes the importance of protecting civilians and humanitarian operations.Key Takeaways
- Goma's situation is calmer but still tense.
- Sporadic gunfire persists, impacting humanitarian work.
- MONUSCO peacekeepers focus on safety and patrols.
- Violence and looting hinder aid operations.
- Urgent need for restoration of services and protection of civilians.
United Nations, Jan 30 (NationPress) The situation in the eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has shown signs of calmness, yet it remains tense, with certain acts of violence disrupting humanitarian efforts, according to a spokesman from the UN.
Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, indicated that the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, referred to as MONUSCO, has noted sporadic gunfire, although there has been a general decrease in the intensity of clashes within the city. Ongoing conflicts have been reported in the surrounding regions, particularly in Sake, located northwest of Goma, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"The mission's primary focus remains on ensuring the safety of its personnel, assets, and the numerous civilians taking refuge within UN facilities," Dujarric stated during the daily briefing. "UN peacekeepers are planning to conduct patrols today (Wednesday) in Goma to evaluate the situation, perform resupplies, and assess the routes."
Previously, MONUSCO indicated that several peacekeepers had taken shelter in bunkers.
Dujarric noted that calmness also prevails in the capital, Kinshasa, despite calls for protests. "Main roads are reported to be deserted, and supermarkets are shut down due to the heightened risk of looting."
He mentioned that in addition to one Uruguayan and two South African peacekeepers who lost their lives earlier in the week, a total of 22 UN peacekeepers have been injured since the latest assault by the M23 rebels.
"We emphasize that attacks against UN peacekeepers are not only intolerable but could also be classified as a war crime," the spokesperson added.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported ongoing violence and looting of humanitarian warehouses in Goma, which has adversely affected the ability of aid workers to respond and has placed them in jeopardy.
OCHA reported that following the rise in hostilities, its humanitarian partners documented over 2,000 injuries. Numerous bodies lie in the streets, and water and electricity supplies have been interrupted since Sunday.
"We advocate for the immediate restoration of these services, as well as the safeguarding of humanitarian warehouses and the facilitation of medical evacuations for the injured," Dujarric asserted.
OCHA confirmed that the closure of the airport has led to the suspension of humanitarian cargo flows and rotations of aid personnel. Most roads linking Goma to the rest of the country remain inaccessible. However, the border with Rwanda is open, allowing additional humanitarian teams to enter the DRC.
"Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarquis urges all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and to halt violence against civilians," OCHA stated. "He reiterates his call for a secure humanitarian corridor to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access and the establishment of a border crossing to assist those fleeing violence."
