“This operation shows how important and irreplaceable the role of neutral intermediary is during armed conflicts, whether in Africa or elsewhere,” said Mirjana Spoljaric, ICRC president. “I hope that this operation will lead to other humanitarian agreements that can reduce tensions and the suffering of people in eastern DRC. These first steps, along with greater respect for international humanitarian law, can help build a more conducive environment for a genuine chance at peace.”
Significant human and logistical resources were required for this complex operation. The ICRC accompanied several convoys on the road; transport by helicopter and aeroplane was carried out by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in DRC (MONUSCO) and the country’s armed forces.
“Crossing areas controlled by various armed groups, some of which still see fighting, such as between Goma and Lubero, is rather tricky. It requires dialogue and constant follow-up to get solid security guarantees,” said Myriam Favier, head of the ICRC’s subdelegation in Goma. “The operation has been a success. It has enabled those transported to Kinshasa to get back in touch with their families and, we hope, will reduce tensions in the city of Goma.”
To ensure the operation could be carried out, the ICRC had been approached by the DRC’s ministry of defence and veterans, MONUSCO and both the civilian and military wings of the Congo Alliance River/M23 Movement (AFC/M23). The ICRC made sure that all the individuals had consented to being transported in the convoys.
The ICRC stands ready to play its role as neutral intermediary to promote respect for international humanitarian law and help protect the lives and dignity of people affected by the armed conflicts in the DRC.
About the ICRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, impartial and independent organization with an exclusively humanitarian mandate that stems from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It helps people around the world affected by armed conflict and other violence, doing everything it can to protect their lives and dignity and to relieve their suffering, often alongside its Red Cross and Red Crescent partners.
For more information, please contact:
Eléonore Asomani, ICRC Dakar, easomani@icrc.org, +221 78 186 46 87
Francine Kongolo, ICRC Kinshasa, fkongolo@icrc.org, + 243 (0) 81 992 23 28
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