Red Cross begins evacuation of DRC soldiers from UN base in Goma
The exit of the soldiers comes a day after the SADC mission began its exit from Goma, a move that began quietly early Tuesday morning before it was confirmed by officials.
A section of the Democratic Republic of Congo army, FARDC, has been safely evacuated from Goma following months of being contained in the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) bases in Goma since the M23 takeover of the city towards the end of January this year.
Their movement was facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which acted as the intermediary accompanying a series of convoys transporting the disarmed army men, members of the Congolese National Police (CNP) and their families from the MONUSCO base in Goma towards Kinshasa.
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"This role of neutral intermediary can therefore contribute to resolving complex humanitarian problems and reducing the impact on the population. Given the complexity of the operation and the risks associated with it, we call for respect for international humanitarian law and a sense of responsibility from all those involved," said François Moreillon, the head of ICRC in DRC.
The operation will last several days, consisting of several convoys.
Despite the extremely volatile environment and security pressures, MONUSCO said it managed to guarantee its safety and general well-being throughout, in accordance with its mandate established by the UN Security Council.
An International Committee of the Red Cross convoy carrying hundreds of Congolese soldiers from the MONUSCO base in Goma to Kinshasa. (Photo: Handout)
"The work accomplished by our teams on the ground to protect these individuals in such a tense context demonstrates MONUSCO's commitment to fulfilling its mandate, even in the most critical circumstances. We thank the ICRC for its decisive role as a neutral intermediary, which facilitated the implementation of this complex operation with the agreement of all stakeholders," said Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in DRC, and acting Head of MONUSCO.
The transportation of the FARDC and CNP members to Kinshasa, where they will be taken into custody, will be carried out in accordance with international humanitarian law.
On its part, M23, through its spokesperson, confirmed the same in a brief statement.
"This Wednesday, April 30, 2025, the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) oversaw the return of 130 FARDC soldiers who had retreated to MONUSCO bases after their rout during the liberation of Goma. This humanitarian act, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is one of the wishes regularly expressed by our organisation." M23 Spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said on Wednesday.
The exit of the soldiers comes a day after the SADC mission began its exit from Goma, a move that began quietly early Tuesday morning before it was confirmed by officials.
"Rwanda is providing safe passage and an escort for convoys of SAMIDRC troops and equipment withdrawing from eastern DRC through Rwanda to Tanzania. The presence of SAMIDRC troops was always a complicating factor in the conflict, and today's start of withdrawal marks a positive step in support of the ongoing peace process," Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe confirmed on Tuesday.
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