The security situation remains highly volatile in the Sake area where for several days government forces with their allies have been trying to remove the M23 rebels on several mountains that they occupied around Goma.
The indiscriminate bombing is amplifying the strain on already limited resources to accommodate 800,000 internally displaced individuals in the region, and 2.5 million displaced across North Kivu Province.
The violence continues to restrict access to isolated populations in Masisi territory and Rutshuru, compounding the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies in delivering essential assistance. With few viable options currently for safe passage from Goma, the growing displaced communities in the town face rapidly deteriorating conditions.
The DRC, the United Nations and Western countries have accused Rwanda of backing the rebels in a bid to control vast mineral resources, which Kigali has denied. Either way, the violence must be contained and eradicated.
South Africa said it would send 2,900 troops to support the DRC's forces against the armed group.
UNHCR has emphasized the imperative to safeguard the lives and well-being of civilians and displaced individuals. UNHCR also called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and peace negotiations to resolve the conflict and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the violence.
If the DRC fails to control the M23 rebel group, it is civilians that will pay the price.
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