Goma residents receive aid from the UN World Food Programme (WFP). The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains extremely volatile Peace and Security
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains extremely volatile, with full information on the dynamics of the conflict and control over the territories difficult to obtain, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted on Monday.
There are reports that the streets of Goma, captured by the M23 armed group the week before last, are strewn with bodies. The exact number of civilians killed is difficult to establish, but the WHO reports significant losses. As of January 31, 2025, information was received about 2,958 wounded and 787 dead. The total number of wounded since the beginning of the crisis, that is, since March 2024, is 6,027 people.
Goma has been without electricity for almost a week, and has now been restored in several areas. However, water and internet are still unavailable. The WHO also reports attacks on medical facilities. The provision of medical care is hampered by the ongoing fighting.
To date, it is estimated that more than 700,000 people who were in internally displaced persons camps outside Goma have been forced to flee their temporary homes and are now scattered in and around Goma. Several thousand people have reportedly moved to neighbouring countries. The displaced people are in dire need of food, drinking water, medical care and blankets.
Humanitarian organizations face many obstacles in delivering aid, but they continue to do everything possible to provide support to the victims.
For example, in the past few days, staff from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have delivered emergency medical kits to several hospitals in Goma to treat people affected by the escalating conflict.
The head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Tom Fletcher emphasized that the needs of the population in eastern DRC are enormous, and violence and looting are limiting the capacity of humanitarian organizations. The UN calls on parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and the delivery of aid.
“Civilians must be protected and aid must reach those in need,” Fletcher said.
“I call on all parties to prioritize dialogue, respect international humanitarian law and seek a peaceful resolution to this crisis. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) remains committed to supporting the people of the DRC,” said UNDP chief Achim Steiner.