Hey there, in case you missed it, things are heating up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – and not in a good way. 😢 Senior UN officials are sounding the alarm over escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Goma, the capital city of North Kivu province in eastern DRC.
Bruno Lemarquis, the UN's deputy special representative and humanitarian coordinator for the DRC, reported that heavy artillery fire has struck the city center. Hospitals and even a UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) site have been hit. 💔
One of the saddest parts? Several shells hit a charity maternity hospital in central Goma, tragically killing and injuring civilians, including newborns and pregnant women. Our hearts go out to them and their families. 💔
Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed, and the situation is chaotic. Hundreds of thousands of people are trying to flee the violence, adding to the already massive number of internally displaced people – we're talking about 700,000 folks who were already living in dire conditions now on the move again. It's like a scene out of a disaster movie, but unfortunately, it's real life. 😥
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN's under-secretary-general for peace operations, emphasized how dangerous and volatile the situation has become. There have been significant advances by armed groups like M23 and the Rwanda Defense Forces, shifting the balance of power and making things even more precarious. He warns of \"daunting\" humanitarian challenges and the high risk of a broader humanitarian disaster. 🚨
The conflict has also taken a toll on peacekeepers trying to help. Sadly, three UN peacekeepers lost their lives – two from South Africa and one from Uruguay – with twelve others injured. Government forces have also suffered casualties. 😔
Essential services in Goma are breaking down. Water and electricity are becoming scarce, internet services are cut, and phone networks are unreliable. Imagine trying to stay safe and connected under those conditions. 📵
Non-essential UN personnel and their dependents have been evacuated to safer locations. But many civilians don't have that option and are caught in the crossfire. The UN is calling for urgent action to protect civilians and address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Goma. 🆘
It's a tough situation, and our thoughts are with the people of Goma as they navigate this challenging time. Let's hope for a swift resolution and peace for the region. ✌️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
