Urgent Call for International Support in Goma’s Humanitarian Crisis

The Humanitarian Coordinator in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, has expressed grave concern over the humanitarian situation in Goma following intense fighting, Reliefweb.com reported.

Medical facilities are overwhelmed, treating over 1,000 wounded civilians between January 23 and 28, with a critical shortage of medicines and staff. Basic services are paralyzed, with electricity and drinking water cut off, forcing residents to use untreated water from Lake Kivu, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases.

Humanitarian infrastructure has been looted, compromising aid delivery. Lemarquis condemned these acts as violations of international humanitarian law and called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian operations. He urged the international community to increase support as the crisis worsens, emphasizing the need for immediate resumption of operations at Goma airport and ensuring safe, voluntary returns for displaced persons. Humanitarian actors remain committed but require additional resources to address escalating needs.