A major evacuation effort is underway in the eastern Congolese city of Goma, as hundreds of unarmed soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), police officers, and their families begin to leave the city after months of being stranded following the M23’s capture of the city.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced on Wednesday the launch of this humanitarian operation, which it is overseeing in coordination with the Congolese government, MONUSCO, and the M23/AFC group.
The evacuees had been sheltered at MONUSCO facilities for over three months after being cut off by the rebel advance. In a press statement issued, the Congolese army welcomed the operation, expressing gratitude to the ICRC for its neutral facilitation role.
“The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo thank the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which, in accordance with its mandate, has provided its good offices and played the role of neutral intermediary, at the request of the Congolese government,” the statement read.
FARDC further emphasized its hope that the evacuation proceeds in full compliance with the Geneva Conventions, international humanitarian law, and the commitments made by all parties involved.
It also paid tribute to MONUSCO’s vital role during the crisis: “We express our deep gratitude to MONUSCO for the work accomplished by its field teams in protecting FARDC and PNC personnel in a difficult and tense context, in accordance with the mandate given by the United Nations Security Council.”
The evacuation marks a rare moment of coordination between conflicting actors in the region.
ICRC convoys will ensure the safe transport of these individuals—many of whom include women and children—towards Kinshasa, where they will receive further assistance.