Statement, January 29th 2025

Deaths and injuries in Goma : HEKS evacuates staff

The situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been extremely precarious for years. Yesterday, the conflict reached a new level of escalation with the partial capture of the city of Goma by fighters from the armed group M23. Intense fighting in the city has killed dozens of civilians and displaced hundreds of thousands, leading to widespread fear, insecurity and an urgent need for humanitarian aid.

Tote und Verletzte in Goma: HEKS evakuiert Mitarbeitende
Keystone

HEKS/EPER has a Country Office in Goma and is able to continue its work in the provinces of North and South Kivu and Maniema despite the difficult circumstances. However, in order to ensure the safety of the expatriate staff, HEKS has relocated them outside the DRC. HEKS is monitoring the situation closely and will resume full support to the civilian population as soon as conditions allow. In this humanitarian emergency, the following measures are of particular importance: water, sanitation and hygiene (#WASH), cash assistance and the distribution of essential items.

HEKS calls on all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities immediately. The protection of the civilian population must be given the highest priority and safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid must be guaranteed.

Samuel Berner
Contact me
Samuel Berner
Telephone direct: 076 461 88 70
Email: samuel.berner@heks.ch

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