The UN has initiated the temporary relocation of its non-essential staff in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, starting this Saturday, due to the escalating security situation in the region. This action comes amid concerns over the hostilities of the non-state armed group M23, which is supported by Rwanda and is in conflict with the Congolese government.
The UN mission in the country, known as MONUSCO, is moving its administrative staff and other personnel who can continue their activities from locations other than North Kivu. This plan aims to ensure the safety of UN personnel while preserving the organization’s critical operations in the area.
MONUSCO has reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and protecting the civilian population, despite the relocation. Historically, North Kivu has been a hotspot for frequent resurgences of armed groups, and the confrontation between M23 and government forces has recently intensified.
Reports indicate that violence has escalated significantly, with alarming incidents such as the murder of the military governor of North Kivu by M23 fighters during an inspection at the border. This conflict has led to the displacement of around 400,000 people in North and South Kivu since the beginning of this year, according to UN data.
Abdoulaye Barry, head of the UN office in Goma, expressed in an interview that the situation is becoming increasingly insecure for both civilians and aid teams. Despite the relocation of non-essential staff, critical UN workers continue on the ground, carrying out essential operations including food distribution and medical assistance, and collaborating with humanitarian partners and local authorities to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
The UN will conduct ongoing security assessments to determine when it can fully restore the presence of displaced personnel. In this context, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued an urgent call to end the fighting in the region, emphasizing the devastating cost of the conflict for Congolese citizens and the stability of the entire region.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish