The European Union (EU) has taken a significant step towards aiding the troubled city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as it announced the initiation of a new humanitarian air bridge. The announcement came from the EU Commission on August 23rd, aiming to bolster assistance in an area plagued by recurring violence and attacks from armed groups, including the notorious M23 rebellion.
Brussels has unveiled plans for two flights between Europe and Nairobi, Kenya, transporting a total of 180 tons of medical supplies and food provisions. Subsequently, these essential resources will be further dispatched to Goma through a series of eight additional flights. The maiden flight has already departed from the Kenyan capital, with the operation anticipated to continue until the end of August.
The overarching goal of this initiative is to reach as many individuals as possible in eastern DRC, a region where the already dire situation continues to deteriorate, as emphasized by the European Commission. The previous EU air bridge to the region, partly funded by France, concluded in May after transporting 260 tons of supplies.
This renewed effort comes at a time when the United Nations reports that over five million people are currently displaced in the North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, largely due to attacks by various armed groups. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has also raised concerns about a potential cholera outbreak.
Consequently, the United Nations has recently intensified its humanitarian interventions in the area, urging donors to increase their support for the DRC. As the EU endeavors to provide essential aid through this air bridge, the international community remains focused on alleviating the suffering of the affected population and fostering stability in the region.