They sought passage through Rwanda's Grande Barrière border to facilitate their relocation to Kinshasa.
The evacuation comes after M23 closed all other exit routes from Goma, including air and land corridors. Many UN staff members were accompanied by their families during this operation.
While the conflict in Eastern DRC has persisted for years, it has escalated dramatically in recent days. M23 has captured several towns, including Goma, a key city in North Kivu Province.
On Sunday night, January 26, international organizations, including the UN, announced plans to evacuate non-essential staff from Goma.
By Monday morning, January 27, 2025, the first group of evacuees had crossed into Rwanda, where they were received in Rubavu. Many expressed uncertainty about their next steps.
One UN staff member reported the absence of border security on the DRC side, with gates locked and no personnel present.
Didier Tebonge, a MONUSCO driver with 10 years of experience, shared his observations: 'On the way here, we saw FARDC soldiers stationed near the main hospital and other locations. I didn't personally see any M23 soldiers on the roads, and the journey was smooth. There were only FARDC soldiers along the way.'
At the border, Tebonge noted that only police officers were present on the DRC side, with no military personnel in sight.
Upon entering Rwanda, UN staff were received by the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration. They were issued documents indicating their evacuation route from Goma to Kigali and completed forms listing the names of their companions.
Tebonge expressed uncertainty about their next steps: 'We believe international humanitarian organizations facilitated this evacuation through Rwanda because no one knows if the conflict will escalate or subside. We are headed to Kigali, and from there, we may relocate to Kinshasa.'
Aboubakar, a Goma resident, described the city as chaotic on the night of January 26:
'Last night in Goma was extremely dangerous. I stayed at a MONUSCO camp, but even there, we could hear gunfire and see flashes of light in the sky. While fleeing, we saw abandoned weapons and military vehicles left behind by the FARDC.'
On January 25, M23 demanded that FARDC troops and allied groups, including FDLR, Wazalendo, and Burundian forces, surrender their weapons. The group later declared Goma's airspace closed, accusing the Congolese military of using it to transport weapons to harm civilians.
Aboubakar added: 'There are no FARDC soldiers left in the city; they've all fled. The situation is dire.'
After crossing the border, evacuees were transported to Kigali, where they will first gather at Kigali Pelé Stadium. From there, they will be accommodated in various hotels across the city.
Rwanda is providing logistical support for the evacuation, including transportation to Kigali. The UN is responsible for covering accommodations and other related needs for the evacuees.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/un-personnel-evacuate-to-rwanda-after-goma-falls-to-m23
