26th January, 2025
The United Nations is set to temporarily relocate non-essential staff from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), amidst heightened security concerns in the region.
This is contained in a statement by the UN mission in DR Congo, MONUSCO on Saturday.
This move, undertaken by the UN body, aims to ensure staff safety while maintaining uninterrupted operations in the country.
The relocation of administrative staff and others in North Kivu is a response to the deteriorating security situation and intensifying hostilities involving the non-state armed group M23, which has been fighting against the Congolese government.
According to MONUSCO, precautionary measures safeguard staff safety while ensuring that the UN’s vital operations in the region remain uninterrupted.
The UN has reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians in North Kivu, despite the challenges posed by the security situation.
“This transfer does not affect the UN’s unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian aid and protecting civilians in North Kivu,” MONUSCO said.
MONUSCO noted that the area had experienced a resurgence of non-state armed groups in the past, and clashes between the M23 and Congolese government troops had intensified in recent times.
“Sadly, combatants from M23 have killed the military governor of North Kivu, and some 400,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu since the beginning of this year alone, as reported by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
“Essential UN personnel are remaining on the ground, sustaining critical operations such as food distribution, medical assistance, shelter, and protection for vulnerable communities,” MONUSCO said.
NAN
