DRC: Fighting severely hampered supply convoys - MONUSCO briefing

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Published Feb 17, 2025

Briefing by Ms. Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Protection and Operations, United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the situation concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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"The fighting of the past week has severely hampered supply convoys and consumed many resources held by MONUSCO’s units," warned Vivian van de Perre, MONUSCO Deputy Special Representative, during the Security Council's second urgent meeting in three days on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Speaking over video call from Goma, Van de Perre outlined the severe strain on MONUSCO’s resources, citing damage to water tanks, generators, and vehicles in camps. “Many troops are now running out of critical equipment, especially water, food, medical supplies, and blood. In some camps, fuel shortages have rendered generators inoperable, affecting communications equipment.”

Looting has further exacerbated the crisis. "The MONUSCO warehouse at the airport has been looted, further depleting supplies. The courthouse in Goma has been looted as well, and I can continue this list," she said, adding that abandoned military depots are being looted by civilians, increasing the proliferation of weapons.

The humanitarian toll is staggering, with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt of the conflict. “The mass influx of internally displaced persons without shelter, the separations of families, the proliferation of armed elements, and the escape of prisoners following a breakout from Goma prison increase the vulnerability of women and children to sexual and gender-based violence,” Van de Perre stated.

The situation has escalated with reports of ethnically motivated violence. “In the past four days, the [joint] human rights office (JHRO) has documented at least one case of ethnically motivated lynching in an IDP site in Goma, as well as physical and verbal violence against journalists in Goma, all due to their perceived ethnic identity,” Van de Perre revealed.

Van de Perre called for immediate action, urging the creation of humanitarian corridors to allow the resupply of essential goods and services. “In light of the ongoing crisis, we urgently require the end of jamming and spoofing as well as the establishment of humanitarian corridors between Goma, Minova, and Bukavu. This will allow the resupply of essential items, the rotation of humanitarian staff, and the safe movement of civilians.”