Synopsis
The UN expresses serious concern over the advancing M23 rebel group in South Kivu, DRC, highlighting instability and humanitarian risks amid military clashes and deteriorating conditions in Goma.Key Takeaways
- UN expresses concern about M23 rebel advance in South Kivu.
- Clashes reported between M23 and Congolese forces.
- Humanitarian risks escalate in Goma amidst violence.
- MONUSCO's withdrawal raises security concerns.
- Joint efforts initiated to address hostilities by UN mission.
The United Nations, on January 31, expressed its serious concern regarding the M23 rebel group advancing towards South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as stated by a UN spokesperson.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, emphasized, “We are deeply concerned about the situation in South Kivu, which remains highly unstable, with credible indications that the M23 is swiftly progressing towards the city of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
Dujarric noted that reports from the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission indicate movements of the Rwanda defense forces across the border in that direction.
Last year, MONUSCO withdrew from South Kivu under a revised mandate from the Security Council at the request of the DRC government.
Clashes have been reported between the M23 rebels and the Congolese armed forces along with allied forces south of Minova, in South Kivu.
He highlighted the humanitarian and security risks in the absence of UN peacekeeping forces, particularly regarding inter-ethnic conflicts.
Earlier this week, the M23 seized a significant portion of Goma, including the airport, which remains non-operational, according to the Xinhua news agency.
The atmosphere in Goma is described as tense and volatile, with sporadic gunfire occurring within the city.
“Amenities such as water and electricity have been unavailable for nearly a week, and unexploded ordnance poses a serious risk to the movement of people, humanitarian aid workers, and peacekeepers,” Dujarric stated.
The mission conducted reconnaissance patrols within the city to begin assessing the damage, and several peacekeeping positions were resupplied.
He mentioned that the peacekeeping mission is operating in a difficult environment and is facing substantial challenges.
According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), partners are beginning to assess the damage to their warehouses following looting incidents.
Aid organizations are planning to resume humanitarian assistance, contingent on the security situation.
The Congolese Red Cross, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross, continues to remove numerous corpses from Goma to address public health concerns.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed with injured individuals.
Furthermore, the WHO warned of an increased risk of Mpox, cholera, and measles due to individuals leaving healthcare facilities where they were receiving treatment for these diseases.
Humanitarian agencies indicated that the disruption of the water supply in Goma over the past six days heightens the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases.
Politically, the UN mission leadership in the DRC is intensifying its efforts to encourage a cessation of hostilities.
Bintou Keita, the special representative of the UN secretary-general and head of the peacekeeping mission, has engaged with the DRC prime minister, key ministers, and the leadership of the Congolese army and police. They have agreed to form a joint government-MONUSCO working group to closely address all pertinent issues.
