By Merve Aydogan
HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Many people have sought refuge at the facilities of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) amid clashes between the army and rebels, a senior UN official said Tuesday.
Vivian van de Perre, the deputy special representative for operations in the MONUSCO peacekeeping force, told the UN Security Council via video link that the ongoing clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo with M23 rebels have caused massive displacement, with people trying to seek refuge in already overcrowded centers in the city of Goma.
"This surge has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation and also a protection situation overwhelming Goma's infrastructure and compounding challenges related to water, electricity and medical services," she said.
Noting that M23 rebels, who are allegedly backed by Rwanda, "continue to ravage" Goma, Perre said the ongoing violence is "killing, injuring, traumatizing and displacing civilians and exacerbating the crisis."
She said that "humanitarian operations have been suspended or readjusted" due to the intensity of the ongoing hostilities and further called for global action to end the suffering of civilians.
"During the last few days, MONUSCO has received a large number of people seeking refuge, including officials and various elements who have surrendered their arms," she said, stressing that MONUSCO does not have the capacity to host such a large number of people.
Warning that UN "bases are not safe themselves," Perre said that "MONUSCO is storing voluntarily relinquished or abandoned weapons in accordance with international standards."
She also highlighted that Goma's water, electricity and medical infrastructure is struggling to cope with the current situation, noting that the humanitarian situation is worsening.
Highlighting the need for "political dialogue," Perre called on all parties to return to the Luanda process to eliminate the risk of war.
Established in 2022, the Luanda process is aimed at the de-escalation of tensions and finding lasting peace between Congo and Rwanda.
"We remind all parties of the obligation to uphold international humanitarian law and stress that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes," she added.
Describing the suffering of people in and around Goma as "unimaginable," Perre called for an end to the hostilities.
Despite the challenges, she said that MONUSCO continues to play a critical role during the crisis and remains a beacon of hope for those seeking protection.
"However, the mission is challenged in ensuring the safety of its staff and premises, which has been severely impacted by the heavy, direct and indirect fire used in these last few days," she said.
On Monday, M23 rebels claimed to have taken control of Goma, while Kinshasa claimed that Rwandan forces were present.
At least 25 people have been killed in Goma and nine in Rwanda. Hundreds have been injured in the ongoing clashes.
Locals say both government forces and rebels control parts of the city of 3 million people, including internally displaced persons.