Uganda Airlines has announced the immediate suspension of all flights to Kinshasa due to escalating unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The suspension comes amid significant developments in the DRC’s eastern regions. M23 rebels have reportedly intensified their offensive, capturing key areas including the strategic city of Goma.
In a statement, Uganda Airlines emphasized its commitment to passenger safety, stating, “We will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate with all our guests once it is safe to resume services.”
The United Nations has reported widespread violence, looting, and numerous civilian casualties. Hospitals are overwhelmed with an influx of wounded individuals, and the humanitarian situation is dire, as essential infrastructure has been damaged and aid organizations struggle to reach those in need.
The conflict is deeply connected to the region’s rich mineral resources, particularly coltan, wolfram, and cassiterite, which are crucial for manufacturing smartphones and laptops.
The profitability of dubbed “blood minerals” has prolonged the conflict, resulting in the displacement of over six million people.
As the situation remains volatile, the suspension of flights by Uganda Airlines highlights the broader regional impact of the conflict and the importance of ensuring passenger safety amid escalating tensions.
