United Nations, Jan 25 (NationPress) The escalation of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has led to a significant rise in civilian displacement and resulted in injuries to nine peacekeepers, as reported by a UN spokesperson.

Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stated on Friday that humanitarian reports indicate that clashes between DRC government forces and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels over the past three weeks have forced over 35,000 individuals to flee from violence in Masisi to displacement sites in and around Goma, the capital city of North Kivu province.

Haq noted that the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, referred to as MONUSCO, has intensified its support for the Congolese armed forces by conducting both day and night joint patrols aimed at diminishing the threat to civilians, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

“Regrettably, during these confrontations, nine UN peacekeepers sustained injuries,” the spokesperson added. “They are presently receiving medical assistance.”

Haq further mentioned that MONUSCO's Quick Reaction Forces have been actively supporting the Congolese armed forces since Wednesday, providing crucial medical and logistical assistance to the Southern African Development Community Military Mission in the DRC.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), shelling in regions where displaced individuals are taking refuge on the outskirts of Goma—including Mugunga, Bulengo, and Lushagala—has compelled many to flee towards the city. This recent increase in violence follows intense fighting in Minova in South Kivu, just three days prior, which led to the displacement of thousands.

Humanitarian access to the affected regions remains limited due to ongoing insecurity.

The situation in Goma is severe, with the area along with neighboring Nyiragongo territory already housing over 700,000 displaced individuals, as stated by OCHA.

OCHA warned that the recent uptick in violence exacerbates an already critical humanitarian crisis, intensifying the hardships faced by countless men, women, and children experiencing displacement and dire living conditions.

Additionally, OCHA expressed concern over the rising number of injured individuals arriving at already overwhelmed healthcare facilities.

The humanitarian community has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urged all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians and granting safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid.

On Thursday, Guterres echoed a similar call, voicing alarm over the resurgence of hostilities and condemning “in the strongest terms” the offensive initiated by the M23, which has had a devastating impact on the civilian population and increased the risk of a larger regional conflict.

He urged the M23 to immediately halt its offensive, withdraw from all occupied territories, and respect the ceasefire agreement established last July.