Latest news with #BrunoLemarquis
Zawya
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Civilians at breaking point in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo warns top aid official, in call to resume talks
As the Security Council prepared to gather on Wednesday to debate the international community's response to the growing emergency in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN's top aid official there urged all warring parties to allow lifesaving relief supplies to reach the most vulnerable. 'The rapid and uninterrupted expansion of the conflict, particularly in South Kivu province, continues to inflict a heavy toll on the civilian population,' said UN humanitarian coordinator for DRC, Bruno Lemarquis. 'The population can no longer continue to pay such a heavy price for a conflict that continues to spread and now threatens the stability of the entire region.' The veteran aid official's appeal came as yet more vulnerable people reportedly fled combat zones amid advancing and heavily armed Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. On Sunday the opposition fighters took control of Bukavu - the second major eastern DRC city to fall, in a matter of weeks. 'It is imperative to put an end to the confrontations' and resume dialogue, Mr. Lemarquis insisted, as he echoed concerns stressed by the UN Secretary-General that the continuing M23 offensive threatens regional stability. For aid teams who remain committed to helping vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities impacted by the fighting, Mr. Lemarquis signalled that the most urgent priorities include reopening airports for humanitarian flights in Goma – capital of North Kivu and Kavumu in South Kivu, both now controlled by M23. 'Tense' situation in Bukavu The security situation in Bukavu remains tense, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, which also reported that commercial boats have resumed services on Lake Kivu between Bukavu and Goma. Humanitarian partners have also reported widespread looting in various part of Bukavu over the weekend, including a UN World Food Programme warehouse containing 7,000 tonnes of supplies. 'Several churches and collective centres in Bukavu are reportedly hosting displaced people,' OCHA noted in an update, adding that humanitarian assessment activities resumed on Tuesday 'and will continue tomorrow as conditions permit'. In addition to the urgent need for humanitarian supply flights, the UN aid coordinator urged respect for international law regarding the rights of internally displaced people (IDPs). Just last week, relief agencies expressed concern at a 72-hour ultimatum issued by M23 representatives to IDPs in Goma who were told to go back to their villages. 'Any return can only take place on a voluntary basis, under safe, dignified and sustainable conditions, in accordance with international principles,' Mr. Lemarquis explained. Neutrality at core of mission The UN aid coordinator also insisted that relief teams' 'sole mission' was to provide vital assistance and protection to the most vulnerable, 'wherever they may action is guided by the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity, and independence, without taking sides or engaging in political considerations.' The DRC emergency is one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world; it follows decades of clashes between the Congolese armed forces and various non-State armed groups, widespread human rights violations and sexual violence. Humanitarian needs are staggering and not just in eastern DRC, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which noted that seven million people within the country are displaced and more than one million have sought asylum beyond the country's borders. Most of these refugees are hosted by Angola, Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. At the same time, the DRC – a country seven times the size of Germany – also hosts more than half a million refugees and asylum-seekers. This latest crisis in DRC's east has already uprooted hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in a matter of weeks. Between 10 and 15,000 people have now crossed into neighbouring Burundi in a matter of days. 'UNHCR urgently calls for increased support to assist refugees and prevent further suffering,' it said in an online appeal. 'We also urge an immediate end to hostilities in eastern DRC to prevent more displacement and civilian harm.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Zawya
17-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) crisis: World Food Programme (WFP) condemns looting in Bukavu after M23 rebels take key city
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has condemned the looting of thousands of tonnes of relief supplies in the city of Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels swept in at the weekend, reportedly meeting little resistance In an online message on Monday, the WFP said that it 'condemns the pillage of its warehouses in Bukavu in South Kivu…the food supplies kept there were meant to provide vital support to the most vulnerable families who now face a growing humanitarian crisis'. Looters made off with 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian food supplies, the UN agency said, adding that as violence spreads and access to food becomes increasingly difficult, 'WFP stands ready to resume essential food aid to the most vulnerable as soon as it is safe to do so'. The UN agency also urged all parties to the conflict 'to respect their obligations vis-à-vis international humanitarian law', which includes the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers. The development came as M23 fighters made continuing gains in eastern DRC, after taking control of Goma - capital of North Kivu province - at the end of January. Hostilities have continued in this mineral-rich region for decades amid a proliferation of armed groups, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. Aid routes blocked In an alert, the top UN aid official in the country, Bruno Lemarquis, warned last Thursday that a shortage of humanitarian routes was threatening the aid operation in the mineral-rich region. Before the M23's latest offensive at the beginning of the year, Mr. Lemarquis recalled that the humanitarian situation in South Kivu was already dire. Roughly 1.65 million people, or just over 20 per cent of the province's population, had been displaced for a wide range of reasons. On Saturday, the UN Secretary-General warned of the potential for the conflict to spark a regional war, before calling for 'African diplomacy to solve the problem'. Speaking on the sidelines of the African Union Summit, António Guterres told journalists that it was 'time to silence the guns, it's time for diplomacy and dialogue. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.' MONUSCO, the international UN peacekeeping force in DRC, will continue to provide support, the UN chief continued, although he cautioned that 'a peacekeeping force can't solve the problem because there is no peace to keep'. He insisted, on the other hand that the conflict 'will be solved if there is an effective African unit and African diplomacy to solve the problem'. Mr. Guterres pointed to the crucial importance of efforts such as the recently held joint summit by the South African Development Community in Tanzania, which resulted in a clear pathway for an immediate ceasefire. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Zawya
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Humanitarians uphold commitment to support civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator for the DRC, updated journalists on latest developments and obstacles to aid delivery, which include loss of critical supplies to looting and the impact of the decision by the United States to suspend billions in foreign aid. The DRC was the largest recipient of US humanitarian assistance in the world in 2024, and 70 per cent of the $1.3 billion in funding received that year came from Washington. A wider problem Mr. Lemarquis said the situation in the east remains extremely volatile, with escalating armed clashes, mass displacement and increasing insecurity in both North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Since January, the M23 have been on an unprecedented advance across the volatile mineral-rich region. The rebels captured the main city, Goma, on 27 January, leaving some 2,900 people dead and many more injured. They are continuing a march towards Bukavu, capital of South Kivu province. 'But there are more than the M23 in the DRC,' said Mr. Lemarquis, speaking from the capital, Kinshasa. 'For example, this morning we learned that at least 52 civilians were reportedly killed in Ituri by the armed group called CODECO.' Clashes and consequences He said the M23 and Rwandan forces are advancing towards the Kavumu Airport which is located close to Bukavu, home to roughly 1.3 million people. 'Clashes are ongoing, including today, and they're likely to continue, and the M23 may use alternative routes to progress towards the town of Bukavu in the coming days, with again massive consequences on the civilian population,' he warned. The M23, which is part of a political-military coalition called Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), is largely in control of Goma and they have appointed de facto authorities including a governor and mayor. The situation in the city 'remains tense and far from normal' due to the ongoing occupation. Although security has improved in some areas, concerns persist. 'Mob justice' and other threats Mr. Lemarquis said the past few days have seen 'recourse to mob justice in a context of proliferation of light weapons and ammunition, and the looting of court houses.' This presents a further challenge to 'reinstating the rule of law in a zone with a tragic legacy of gross humanitarian gross human rights violations and impunity,' he added. 'Furthermore, several human rights defenders, in particular those working on issues of sexual and gender-based violence, as well as journalists, report persistent threats and incidents of forced disappearance and summary execution targeting them,' he continued. Lack of services Meanwhile, many people in Goma are still facing difficult humanitarian conditions. Essential services, particularly water and electricity, are not yet fully operational. As a result, many are using water directly from Lake Kivu, thus increasing the risk of contracting waterborne diseases. Mr. Lemarquis noted, however, that things have improved slightly as efforts are underway to restore electricity and to re-establish the water supply. School activities have partially resumed after a two-week suspension due to the fighting, though many teachers remain uncertain about their status and pay under the new de facto authorities. Public services also remain partially functional in Goma, with a limited number of civil servants having returned to work because of the uncertainty, but hospitals are still overwhelmed. 'Mortuaries are saturated, and medical teams have to cope with an unprecedented number of war wounded, with a shortage of medicine and medical supplies,' he said. 'Risks of epidemics are high in the city, in particular cholera and mpox. Food prices have risen, and more and more people need food assistance every day.' Commitment to stay Against this complex backdrop, humanitarian partners remain on the ground working to prevent and alleviate suffering, he said. They are also moving to strengthen response now that the situation has stabilized, and several colleagues who were evacuated or relocated will be brought back. However, some key challenges remain. Mr. Lemarquis said many facilities belonging to the UN and international aid agencies were looted during the height of the fighting in Goma, and millions of dollars in supplies were lost. Getting aid to Goma is another major obstacle as the airport there remains closed and non-operational. 'Without this airport we cannot evacuate the seriously injured, transport the necessary medical supplies or bring in humanitarian reinforcement,' he said. 'All parties must act now to work together to re-open the airport and allow humanitarian flights to resume.' A 'new reality' Humanitarians are also affected by the 'new reality in Goma' as they navigate customs and border-related issues, while their final challenge concerns the Trump administration's decision to temporarily suspend foreign aid. 'This is a major source of concern with several UN agencies and international NGOs active on the ground having seen their operations at best severely impact, if not halted,' he said. 'Our humanitarian response is the most dependent in the world on US assistance. We were 70 per cent funded by US funding, so this is having major impact.' US aid cuts In response to a journalist's question, Mr. Lemarquis explained that humanitarians required $2.5 billion for their operations in 2024 and garnered $1.3 billion - the highest amount ever received in the DRC for humanitarian response. Of the total, $910 million came from the US alone. 'The ultra-dependence on US funding means a lot of programmes had to shut down on everything we are doing. So, it's emergency health, it's emergency coordination capacity,' he said. 'The only exception so far, but we hope there will be more exceptions, was emergency food assistance.' Appeal for international support Yet 'despite these challenges, we aim to stay and deliver,' said Mr. Lemarquis. On behalf of the humanitarian community, he reiterated the call for 'all the parties to end hostilities and to return to the political process.' He also urged the international community 'to intensify its support for the humanitarian response in this complicated area.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): UN call to reopen Goma airport ‘lifeline', as crisis deepens
'Goma airport is a lifeline,' said Bruno Lemarquis. 'Without it, the evacuation of the seriously injured, the delivery of medical supplies and the reception of humanitarian reinforcements are paralyzed.' Growing casualties The M23 armed group, supported by Rwandan troops, seized the airport last week as its fighters swept through Goma – the regional capital of North Kivu. Several hundred people have reportedly been killed in the hostilities, with tens of thousands more forced to flee their homes. Rebels have seized control of large areas of Goma, setting up checkpoints and severely restricting humanitarian access, according to the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). This has disrupted the delivery of food, water, and medical aid for up to two million people. Humanitarian workers also face restricted access to displacement camps, limiting the provision of essential services, including emergency obstetric care. An absolute emergency Mr. Lemarquis urged all parties to 'shoulder their responsibilities' and facilitate the immediate reopening of the airport. 'Every hour lost puts more lives at risk. This is an absolute emergency. All those involved must act without delay to enable humanitarian flights to resume operations and guarantee access to relief supplies,' he stressed. 'The survival of thousands of people depends on it.' Sexual violence 'tragically routine' Meanwhile, UN Women, the Organization's lead agency for protection of women and girls, warned that reports of sexual violence and exploitation have become 'tragically routine.' 'As the clashes unfold in a country that has endured prolonged instability, women and girls are bearing the brunt of both direct and indirect consequences, with their rights, safety, and dignity increasingly under threat,' said the agency's Sofia Calltorp, Chief of Humanitarian Action, briefing journalists in Geneva. Local women's organizations have reported widespread sexual violence, forced displacement, and severe gaps in basic social as well as protection services. With the situation worsening, UN Women called for immediate action by State and non-state actors in DRC as well as the wider international community to combat sexual and gender-based violence and end impunity for perpetrators. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Russia Today
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Russia calls for ceasefire in troubled African state
Russia has called for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), where the M23 rebel group has intensified attacks on the national army and peacekeeping forces. In a statement on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern about the escalation of the conflict and condemned assaults targeting the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO). 'Since the beginning of January, M23 has stepped up its activities, establishing control over the cities of Masisi and Sake. Moscow calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a resumption of the negotiation process,' the ministry stated. The Central African nation has been embroiled in violence for decades, particularly in the east, where dozens of non-state armed groups, including M23, are competing with the government for resources such as gold and diamonds. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of fueling the conflict by arming the M23 insurgents. A group of UN experts also estimates that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops are fighting alongside the M23 militia against Congolese soldiers and local allies. Kigali has repeatedly denied the allegations. READ MORE: Moscow reacts to attacks on peacekeepers in DR Congo Earlier this month, the militants intensified their assaults in North and South Kivu, reportedly seizing control of more territory. On Monday, the group announced that it had captured Goma, the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province, after hours of gunfire. At least 13 peacekeepers, including those from South Africa and Uruguay, have been killed in the latest offensive, according to the UN. The country's army announced on Friday that the rebels had shot and killed North Kivu governor Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba while he was visiting the front line. 'Several shells struck the Charity Maternity Hospital in central Goma, killing and injuring civilians, including newborn and pregnant women,' Bruno Lemarquis, UN deputy special representative in the DR Congo, told journalists on Monday. READ MORE: Colonial ghosts: The hidden hands behind Africa's shadow conflicts He said nearly 6.5 million people have been displaced, and hospitals are struggling to keep up with the influx of injured patients. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Sunday, Russia's permanent representative, Vassily Nebenzia, condemned assaults on international peacekeepers and expressed Moscow's 'deep condolences' to the families of the killed soldiers. The envoy went on to criticize the use of heavy artillery near civilian infrastructure. On Monday, Moscow's Foreign Ministry advised Russian nationals against traveling to the African state, urging those already in the conflict-torn North Kivu province to 'leave the region at the first opportunity.' READ MORE: Rwanda faces trial over conflict in neighboring state
