Goma International Airport has been temporarily closed following the takeoff of a second MONUSCO evacuation flight, as fighting between the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) armed forces and M23 rebels intensifies in the region.
Authorities confirmed that the closure is a precautionary measure due to escalating insecurity. MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, has been evacuating its staff amid growing tensions. While two evacuation flights have already departed, other passengers remain stranded, awaiting further directives.
Heavy clashes between the DRC army and M23 rebels have been reported near Goma, raising concerns over the safety of civilians and infrastructure. Eyewitnesses describe heightened military activity and sporadic gunfire in the vicinity, prompting fears of further displacement of residents.
Elliot Chikwatu
January 27, 2025 at 10:18 am
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