Hostilities in the Eastern Republic of Congo (DRC) resumed, affecting civilian populations. The UN Secretary-General spokesperson announced last week that M23 Rebels enacted large-scale offensive operations starting at the beginning of the year. Rwanda’s armed forces also aided in the attacks in the eastern DRC.
Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operation of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission In The DR CONGO), reported that the attack was launched on January 26 targeting the city of Goma. De Perre stated at a Security Council Briefing, “These attacks continue to ravage the city, killing, injuring, traumatizing, and displacing civilians and exacerbating the crisis.” MONUSCO forces have provided direct artillery support to the DRC’s armed forces (FARDC) and regional allies for several days. However, they faced heavy attacks from a superior force backed by the Rwandan military, forcing the evacuation of non-essential personnel by air and road. As fighting escalated, many peacekeepers took shelter in bunkers, shifting the focus to protecting UN personnel and assets. With dwindling supplies of ammunition and water, MONUSCO’s blue helmets reached the operational limits of a peacekeeping mission without a supporting political solution.
As a result of dangerous fighting conditions, three UN peacekeepers lost their lives along with at least 20 others injured. MONSUSCO continues its civilian protection mission, sheltering large groups of displaced people at its facilities and coordinating with partners to safeguard human rights defenders. However, the number of vulnerable individuals seeking safety far exceeds the capacity of MONUSCO’s bases, which are not secure. “Two mortars hit MONUSCO’s bases and compounds in the past three days,” said Ms. Van de Perre, “along with countless bullets.”
As the crisis deepened, Ms. van de Perre highlighted the pressing need for establishing humanitarian corridors. Her statements called for ensuring civilian protection, and impeling all parties to “stop hostilities and participate in political dialogue to prevent further civilian harm.” The Secretary-General appealed to Rwanda and the DRC to remain engaged in the Luanda peace process to halt the conflict. Furthermore, the Security Council emphasized that resolving the crisis requires an inclusive political approach, calling on Rwanda and the DRC to resolve the conflict with collective and diplomatic negotiations.
To read more, please visit:
By Samuel Mushailov
