UN to move staff from Goma as fighting increases in eastern Congo

​​​​​​​By Hassan Isilow

The UN said Saturday it is temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma in eastern Congo because of the deteriorating security situation in North Kivu province.

It said the precautionary measure is to safeguard staff while ensuring vital operations in the region remain uninterrupted.

The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, recently intensified its offensive in eastern Congo, capturing key towns and is reported to be advancing toward Goma, the capital of North Kivu.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has repeatedly denied claims of supporting the rebels.

Congo authorities said Friday that the military governor of North Kivu province, Maj. Gen. Peter Cirimwami, died from injuries sustained during fighting on the front line.

The M23 said they are fighting to defend the interests of minority Congolese Tutsis, who are reportedly discriminated against in Congo for their ethnic links to Rwanda’s Tutsi community.​​​​​​​

The UN said essential personnel would remain on the ground in Goma, sustaining critical operations such as food distribution, medical assistance, shelter operations and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Tens of thousands of residents have fled their homes in eastern Congo since fighting between the army and M23 rebels escalated late last year.

- Peacekeepers killed

Six soldiers from two African nations on a peacekeeping mission in Congo were killed earlier this week in separate clashes with rebels.

Malawi Defense Force (MDF) spokesperson Maj. Emmanuel Mlelemba said three Malawian soldiers died Friday during an ambush by the rebels.

Separately, the South African National Defense Union confirmed Saturday that three of its members were killed and 14 injured in clashes with the M23.

The soldiers were killed while Defense Minister Angie Motshekga was visiting Congo.

The South African National Defense Force has not issued a statement but a spokesperson said details would soon be released.