The United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Monusco) reported this Saturday that it has temporarily relocated its non-essential staff from Goma, the capital of the northeastern province of North Kivu, due to the advance of the rebel group March 23 Movement (M23).

RELATED:

The African Union Calls for an “Immediate Cessation” of Hostilities in Eastern DR Congo

In a statement, Monusco specified that it withdrew “administrative personnel and others who can continue to perform their duties from another location, in response to the ‘deterioration of the security situation.'”

The measure aims to “ensure the safety of personnel while maintaining essential United Nations operations in the province,” and “does not in any way affect the unwavering commitment” of the UN to provide “humanitarian assistance and protect civilians” in North Kivu.

“The essential personnel,” it assured, “remains on the ground to ensure the continuity of critical operations, such as the distribution of food aid, medical assistance, shelter, and protection of vulnerable communities.”

The relocation will be assessed as the security situation evolves with the goal of “fully restoring the presence as soon as conditions permit,” Monusco added, noting that its total personnel in the DRC amounts to more than 17,000 people (including over 16,000 uniformed personnel), according to official data from February 2023.

The mission reported this Friday that it is supporting the Congolese Armed Forces to curb the advance of the M23 in the eastern part of the country, where nine peacekeepers were injured in fighting last Thursday and Friday.

The rebels announced this Friday that they are advancing towards Goma and urged Monusco to “abstain from intervening” in the conflict.

Although Rwandan authorities deny the alleged collaboration of Kigali with the M23, this point has been confirmed by the United Nations.

EN ESTA NOTA: