Vivian van der Peer
Appearances
Global News Podcast
US senators question Robert F Kennedy Jr at heated confirmation hearing
They control the city. They have roadblocks everywhere, but there are pockets of resistance and fighting and there's many elements still roaming. So I wouldn't call it complete control, but they definitely have established themselves in Goma.
Global News Podcast
US senators question Robert F Kennedy Jr at heated confirmation hearing
It is my understanding that the airport is in M23 hands right now, but I have not been able to go there, so I have not independently verified that. But from the troops that we have around the airport, the M23 seems to be controlling the airport.
Global News Podcast
US senators question Robert F Kennedy Jr at heated confirmation hearing
That is a big hindrance indeed. So we need the airport to be reopened as soon as possible by whoever controls it so that we can establish air bridges with the outside world in order to get humanitarian aid that is desperately needed into this region.
Global News Podcast
US senators question Robert F Kennedy Jr at heated confirmation hearing
They need absolutely everything. First of all, they need safety and security. We've had a couple of days of heavy fighting between M23 and the government and its allies. Fortunately, that has largely calmed down now. But the M23, as I understand it, is trying to establish themselves here as the, if I can call it, de facto authorities.
Global News Podcast
US senators question Robert F Kennedy Jr at heated confirmation hearing
And they would be, since they are in control at the moment and it's just a reality, they would be responsible for re-establishing safety and security. Secondly, humanitarian needs are tremendous. The population is suffering tremendously. They need food, water, medical care, everything. The electricity has been down. The Wi-Fi has been down. Water is in very short supply.
Global News Podcast
US senators question Robert F Kennedy Jr at heated confirmation hearing
Even our own troops in Minusco, we are running low on supplies and some bases have run out because many of the population have been coming to seek refuge in our bases.
Global News Podcast
US senators question Robert F Kennedy Jr at heated confirmation hearing
Necessarily, we need to coordinate on certain very urgent issues such as our freedom of movement. We are doing our utmost to play a role in the protection of civilians. So, yes, I have coordinated with them on our freedom of movement and we are trying to establish some kind of working relationship right now. They claim that they want the best for the population.
Global News Podcast
US senators question Robert F Kennedy Jr at heated confirmation hearing
So if I take them on their word, then I'm going to use that to make sure that MONUSCO is allowed to go out and to help the population where it can.