The rebel group M23 made significant gains by taking Goma in the DRC. Many civilians have already left the city, fleeing from the fights. Amidst the fights, bombing hit a church-run hospital, resulting in numerous deaths. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), M23 rebels achieved significant gains when they occupied Goma, capital of North Kivu province. The fights between M23 rebels and soldiers of the Congolese armed forces and Wazalando militiamen are escalating. Thirteen soldiers lost their lives in the fights, including four South African soldiers from the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The fights are concentrated, but not exclusively happening, in the city’s airport area, which is under the control of the M23. Civilians fleeing from their homes, power and communication outages, looting, and chaos are everyday occurrences. World Food Programme (WFP) voiced its concerns about the delay in the distribution of humanitarian aid. They say it could lead to food shortages within the next 24 hours.

As a result of the fights, a church-run medical facility has been hit by bombing that resulted in many deaths, including newborns. Willy Ngumbi Ngengele, the Bishop of Goma, commented on the events in a message published on 27 January.

“I am horrified to learn of the bombings, including those targeting the neonatal department of the Charité Maternelle General Hospital, resulting in the deaths of newborns, and the attack on the diocesan procuracy compound, which shattered the windows of the newly inaugurated building.”

He also condemned the looting happening in the city and called out to everyone to stop the looting that is further worsening the dire humanitarian situation. Mgr. Ngumbi Ngengele also addressed the parties involved in the fighting.

“I urge all parties involved in the current armed conflict, as well as the population, to show absolute respect for human life and for private and public infrastructure, which must be preserved by all under any circumstances, in accordance with human dignity and international law.”

He also asked every member of the clergy to provide help for those in need. including newborns.

Source: Agenzia Fides

Photo: Al Jazeera English