UN Officials Raise Alarm Over Violence in DRC
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Synopsis
On January 27, senior UN officials raised alarms about the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance amid rising casualties and displacement.
Key Takeaways
- UN officials express grave concern over rising violence in DRC.
- Recent clashes have led to hundreds of civilian casualties.
- Over 400,000 individuals displaced since the beginning of 2025.
- Call for an immediate ceasefire from UN Secretary-General.
- UN temporarily relocates non-essential staff from Goma.
United Nations, Jan 27 (NationPress) Senior officials from the UN have voiced alarm regarding the rising violence in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
“The situation is deteriorating rapidly,” stated UN Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya during an urgent session of the UN Security Council.
She noted that hundreds of civilians have been either killed or wounded in recent weeks, with countless others fleeing their homes to escape the relentless gunfire and shelling.
The tensions have escalated significantly due to the recent territorial gains made by the M23 rebels in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. The rebels have seized control of Sake, a town viewed as the last line of defense for government forces ahead of Goma, which is the capital of North Kivu and an important regional center.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Undersecretary-General for peace operations, expressed that the UN is profoundly troubled by the resurgence of hostilities that have resulted in the loss of a key position just several kilometers from Goma.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, remarked that the UN chief “is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in eastern DRC.” Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire.
Since the onset of 2025, over 400,000 individuals have been displaced in eastern Congo as conflicts between the Congolese military and armed groups have intensified, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
On January 25, the United Nations announced a temporary relocation of non-essential personnel from Goma due to the deteriorating security conditions.
A press release from the UN indicated that administrative staff and those able to work remotely would be affected by this decision. However, it emphasized that this relocation would not hinder its commitment to delivering humanitarian assistance and safeguarding civilians in North Kivu.
The UN has assured that essential staff remain on site to ensure the continuation of crucial operations like food distribution, medical care, shelter provision, and protection for vulnerable communities. The situation will be continuously assessed as the security landscape changes.
