WHO averts biological disaster in conflict-stricken Congo's Goma

The World Health Organization (WHO) has successfully averted a potential leak from a bio-laboratory in the conflict-ridden city of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to Bureima Hama Sambo, WHO's representative in the country.

The laboratory, which houses dangerous strains of Ebola, Marburg, monkeypox, and COVID-19, had faced a significant biological safety risk due to power outages caused by ongoing fighting with Rwanda-backed rebels, Caliber.Az reports referencing foreign media outlets.

"We were able to get fuel into the laboratory, ensuring that the rooms containing the dangerous viruses were sealed automatically," Sambo said, reassuring that the situation is now under control. "There is no current risk of leakage, and the laboratory is safe."

The initial risk stemmed from power cuts that could have led to the release of these hazardous pathogens into the environment, a threat heightened by the instability in the region. The conflict between the DRC and Rwanda has also had broader economic implications, particularly affecting the global electronics industry, as the DRC is home to 80% of the world's coltan deposits. Coltan is a critical material for manufacturing electronics, including computers and cell phones.

On January 27, the M23 rebel group, which has been fighting against the Congolese government, announced the capture of Goma, the administrative center of North Kivu province. In response to the escalating violence, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) raised alarms about the risk of pathogens escaping from the Goma laboratory.

Further instability followed on February 3 when M23 fighters assaulted Munzenze prison, leading to the escape of hundreds of inmates. UN sources reported that between 165 and 167 women were sexually assaulted in the chaos that ensued.

Despite declaring a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, M23 launched another offensive on February 5, capturing the mining town of Nyabibwe, approximately 100 km (60 miles) from Bukavu. The rebels are now reportedly advancing toward the provincial capital, raising concerns that Bukavu could be the next target.

In response, Congolese authorities have mobilized civilian volunteers to defend Bukavu as tensions continue to rise in the region.

By Tamilla Hasanova