Fighting for control of Goma, DRC, has led to nearly 3,000 deaths as M23 militants clash with national forces. The U.N. is assisting in recovery efforts, but concerns grow over disease outbreaks due to decomposing bodies. M23’s control disrupts humanitarian efforts and infrastructure, leaving thousands displaced with limited resources and services. The region faces escalating tensions as the M23 advances toward Bukavu, prompting heightened concerns among international organizations.
According to a senior U.N. official in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), nearly 3,000 fatalities have been reported due to clashes between M23 militants and the national army in Goma. Vivian van de Perre, deputy head of the U.N. mission (MONUSCO), stated that U.N. teams are assisting in the retrieval of bodies from the streets, with 2,000 already recovered and an additional 900 held in hospital morgues.
Van de Perre expressed concern over the potential for disease outbreaks due to the decomposing bodies still present in various locations. She emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting the World Health Organization’s worries about epidemic risks. The violence escalated after M23 violated a ceasefire in January, launching a campaign in eastern DRC with alleged support from the Rwandan military.
The M23 claims to have seized control of Goma, a key city rich in minerals, causing significant civilian displacement. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23, an assertion Rwanda contests, claiming that DRC collaborates with armed groups linked to past genocides. Presently, Goma is under firm M23 control, complicating humanitarian efforts amid a burgeoning crisis.
Van de Perre reported that civilians are seeking refuge at U.N. peacekeeping bases, which are severely overcrowded and lacking in sanitary conditions, risking further health issues among evacuees. Basic utilities like water and electricity were disrupted, but there are signs of restoration. The market activity is beginning to resume; however, prices have increased drastically.
Currently, U.N. peacekeepers are limited in their movements and cannot conduct patrols without notifying the M23 two days in advance. Reports indicate that M23 militants have harassed some humanitarian workers and journalists but the extent of this interference is unclear. Meanwhile, M23 forces appear to be advancing towards Bukavu, raising regional tensions further.
While the M23 declared a unilateral ceasefire, fears persist regarding the safety of crucial infrastructure like Kavumu airport, essential for civilian and humanitarian efforts. MONUSCO is in the process of withdrawing some of its peacekeeper personnel at the request of the DRC government, raising concerns about stability in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been engulfed in conflict due to armed groups such as M23, which is accused of destabilizing the eastern region with support from neighboring Rwanda. Goma, the capital of North Kivu, has become a focal point of violence following the M23’s aggressive pursuit of territorial control, leading to widespread casualties and humanitarian crises. These hostilities have prompted international agencies, including the U.N. and WHO, to intervene and provide assistance amid accusations of foreign involvement in the ongoing conflicts. Humanitarian conditions have deteriorated significantly as thousands flee from violence, and those who remain face threats of disease and starvation due to disrupted services and soaring prices of essential goods.
The situation in Goma is perilous, with almost 3,000 fatalities reported amidst fighting between M23 militants and the DRC national army. The humanitarian crisis deepens due to overcrowding in U.N. bases and disrupted essential services, exacerbated by the ongoing armed conflict. While the M23 holds firm control, international bodies are raising alarms about potential epidemic outbreaks and the need for urgent humanitarian assistance.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
