Synopsis
As stability returns to Goma, DRC, the UN warns that the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera and Mpox, is rising in surrounding areas. The situation in Goma remains tense, with ongoing concerns about unexploded ordnance and advancing rebel forces, emphasizing the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent regional conflict and ensure humanitarian aid.Key Takeaways
- Calm is slowly being restored in Goma, though tensions remain.
- Risk of disease outbreaks increases, particularly cholera and Mpox.
- UN highlights the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation.
- Infrastructure challenges hinder humanitarian aid delivery.
- Ensuring the safety of UN premises is critical amidst ongoing threats.
United Nations, Feb 1 (NationPress) As peace gradually returns to Goma, a pivotal eastern city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the likelihood of disease outbreaks, such as cholera and Mpox, rises on the periphery, according to United Nations officials.
"In Goma, the situation remains tense and unstable, with sporadic gunfire continuing within the city; however, overall, calm is slowly being reestablished," stated Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix during a press conference on Friday.
"Water and electricity have been restored in a large part of the city, but we are still facing the issue of unexploded ordnance, which poses a significant barrier to safe movement," he added.
The runways at the city's airport have incurred substantial damage due to recent conflicts and are currently unusable. Aid cannot be delivered by air as only routes into neighboring Rwanda remain open, with domestic access closed, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Lacroix pointed out that the M23 rebels and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) are advancing toward Bukavu City, the capital of South Kivu province.
"This is certainly a matter of concern," he remarked.
When reminded about threats from the DRC's adversaries to advance on the capital city of Kinshasa, located in the west, Lacroix expressed, "The potential for loss of life and devastation is alarming."
He also conveyed worries that the ongoing conflict could escalate.
"Our concerns extend beyond eastern DRC; historically, this has the potential to ignite a broader regional conflict," he stated. "Thus, it is crucial that all diplomatic efforts focus on preventing this and promoting an end to hostilities."
Regarding diplomatic measures, the UN peacekeeping lead mentioned regional and African Union involvement, the leadership of the UN mission, known as MONUSCO, and discussions at the UN Security Council meetings, yet no ceasefire has been achieved.
Nonetheless, he noted that a collaborative working group comprising the government and MONUSCO has been formed to address various matters, including security, human rights, humanitarian communication, and the legal status of territories controlled by the M23 rebels and the RDF.
Lacroix emphasized that the primary focus of UN peacekeepers is the protection of their personnel and assets, as well as the civilians seeking refuge within their facilities, in line with international humanitarian law. The infrastructure of MONUSCO is under strain, if not overwhelmed, with demands to supply water, rations, and sanitation.
He underscored the importance of respecting UN premises.
"They are inviolable," Lacroix asserted. "We cannot emphasize this enough in the current circumstances where MONUSCO bases face threats, particularly from disarmed FARDC (Federal Armed DRC) soldiers in some cases."
Despite these challenges, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that relief workers are assessing the damage.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that the government, along with local and international Red Cross organizations, has recovered 700 deceased individuals from the streets of Goma between Sunday and Thursday, with 2,800 people treated for injuries.
Humanitarian partners have visited internally displaced person sites in the areas of Bulengo and Lushagala, located on the outskirts of Goma. They found that while water and healthcare services remain functional, the situation is dire. Cases of cholera have been reported, and there are risks of a Mpox outbreak among displaced individuals.
OCHA noted that access to safe drinking water in Goma is still compromised, forcing the population to depend on untreated water from Lake Kivu, which will continue to heighten the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.
