Serious situation in eastern Congo

“I am deeply concerned about the escalation of the conflict in eastern Congo and the reports that the M23 rebels have taken over Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Norway condemns the M23’s attack on the civilian population and on the UN stabilisation mission,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide. 

“Indications that neighbouring countries may be involved in the conflict give particular cause for concern. All actors in the region have a responsibility to contribute to peace and stability,” Mr Eide said. 

Thousands are fleeing from Goma and the large refugee camps in eastern Congo. The humanitarian consequences for the civilian population are serious, and the situation has been further exacerbated by the fact that humanitarian organisations and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) have had to evacuate civilian personnel from Goma. MONUSCO’s main task now is to assist the Congolese authorities in protecting the civilian population. This is extremely difficult given the chaotic situation in the region.