Rebel-held ports in eastern DR Congo re-open as aid needs grow

18/2/2025 19:30

Boat traffic returned to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's Lake Kivu on Tuesday as ports re-opened in two cities which have fallen to M23 rebels, a

development the United Nations said could facilitate access to humanitarian aid after weeks of fighting and looting.



The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group is trying to show it can administer the cities of Goma and Bukavu as government and U.N. officials warn of a looming humanitarian catastrophe including potential outbreaks of cholera and other diseases.



The World Food Programme said looters stole some 7,000 metric tons of food supplies as the Congolese military withdrew from Bukavu and rebels entered the city over the weekend.



A passenger boat from Bukavu to Goma left on Tuesday morning, operator Lweni Ndale said, adding it was the first he had sent since late January, shortly after Goma fell to M23.