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Humanitarian Crisis in Goma Amid Ongoing Violence

“Goma airport is a lifeline,” stated Bruno Lemarquis, emphasizing the vital role of the airport for humanitarian efforts. He highlighted that without it, critical operations such as evacuating the severely injured, delivering medical supplies, and bringing in humanitarian assistance are severely hindered.

Growing Casualties

Last week, the M23 armed group, reportedly backed by Rwandan military forces, captured the airport during a rapid advance through Goma, which is the provincial capital of North Kivu. The violent confrontations have led to significant loss of life, with reports indicating several hundred fatalities and tens of thousands displaced from their homes.

The insurgents have taken control of extensive areas within Goma, establishing checkpoints that have drastically limited humanitarian access, as outlined by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). This disruption has affected the delivery of essential services, including food, clean water, and medical assistance, impacting nearly two million individuals.

Moreover, humanitarian organizations are facing increased barriers to access displacement shelters, which diminishes their ability to provide crucial services, including emergency obstetric care.

An Absolute Emergency

Mr. Lemarquis called for all parties involved to fulfill their responsibilities and urgently facilitate the reopening of the airport. He stressed the urgency of the situation, stating, “Every hour lost puts more lives at risk. This is an absolute emergency. It is imperative that stakeholders act quickly to allow humanitarian flights to resume and to ensure that relief supplies reach those in need.”

“The survival of thousands of people depends on it,” he added.

Sexual Violence ‘Tragically Routine’

Meanwhile, UN Women has raised the alarm over a troubling increase in incidents of sexual violence and exploitation, describing such occurrences as “tragically routine.”

According to Sofia Calltorp, Chief of Humanitarian Action at UN Women, “As conflicts intensify in a nation with a long history of instability, women and girls face disproportionate impacts, with their rights, safety, and dignity increasingly under threat.”

Local women’s organizations have reported on the extensive prevalence of sexual violence, forced displacement, and significant deficiencies in social and protective services.

Given the escalating crisis, UN Women has urged immediate interventions from both state and non-state actors within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the broader international community to effectively address sexual and gender-based violence and to hold perpetrators accountable.

Aftermath in Goma

In Goma, many displacement sites have been abandoned or destroyed, with critical water, sanitation, and health facilities suffering extensive damage, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The city is also experiencing a rise in criminal activity, including vehicle thefts and looting of humanitarian aid warehouses belonging to UN agencies and partners.

While some businesses have reopened, schools remain shut, internet connectivity is disrupted, and local hospitals are overwhelmed with patients. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) has issued warnings regarding potential outbreaks of diseases, such as mpox, cholera, and measles.

South Kivu

In the Kalehe territory of South Kivu, ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels since January 25 have led to the displacement of thousands. Approximately 6,900 people have sought refuge in Bukavu, while others are staying with local host communities.

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by a cholera outbreak fueled by disrupted health services.

The recent 90-day freeze on U.S. humanitarian funding is also critically affecting food security, sanitation, and relief efforts in both North and South Kivu, according to humanitarian partners.

Source
news.un.org