
The UN is temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, since Saturday, without interrupting its operations in the country, at a time of heightened security concerns.
The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, is relocating administrative staff and others who can continue to perform their duties elsewhere to North Kivu in response to the deteriorating security situation and the escalation of hostilities involving the non-state armed group M23, a Rwandan-backed movement fighting the Congolese government.
"This precautionary measure safeguards the safety of staff while ensuring that thevital UN operations in the region remain uninterrupted"MONUSCO said in a statement.
"This transfer does not affect the UN's unwavering commitment to providing humanitarian assistance and protecting civilians in North Kivu."
Deteriorating situation
In the past, the area has witnessed repeated resurgences of non-state armed groups. Clashes between the M23 and Congolese government troops escalated earlier this month.
M23 fighters killed the military governor of North Kivu on Thursday as the general was inspecting the border, according to news agencies.
Some 400.000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu alone since the beginning of this year, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
On Friday, the head of the UN office in Goma, Abdoulaye Barry, told UN News in an exclusive interview that The situation is becoming increasingly unsafe for both civilians and aid teams..
Essential personnel remain on the ground
Essential UN personnel remain on the ground, maintaining critical operations such as food distribution, medical assistance, shelter and protection of vulnerable communities.
At the same time, the United Nations is working closely with humanitarian partners and national authorities to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those most in need and to prevent any threats to civilians.
The temporary relocation of staff will be reassessed based on the evolving security situation, with the aim of fully re-establishing presence as soon as conditions permit.
«The United Nations reaffirms its deep commitment to the population of North Kivu", the UN mission said.
El Secretary General UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate end to the fighting, saying the conflict has taken a devastating toll on the Congolese and the entire region.