The Rwandan backed M23, a group of Congolese rebels, along with Rwandan forces, shut down the airport in Goma. Thousands reportedly fled the area due to the fighting which killed 13 UN peacekeepers. The airport serves as a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts in the area.
The U. N.’s top humanitarian official in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Tuesday called for Goma airport to be urgently reopened, warning its continued closure is paralyzing relief operations.
“Goma airport is a lifeline,” said Bruno Lemarquis, UN deputy special representative of the secretary-general. “Without it, the evacuation of the seriously injured, the delivery of medical supplies and the reception of humanitarian reinforcements are paralyzed.”
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 said. “The survival of thousands of people depends on it.”