The closure of the airport, which was reportedly taken over by M23 fighters on January 28th, has created a severe bottleneck, obstructing the delivery of essential aid to a population in urgent need.

The United Nations has called for the immediate reopening of Goma airport, which serves as a crucial lifeline for humanitarian aid in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a UN statement.

The airport was reportedly taken over by M23 fighters on January 28th, creating a major bottleneck that has severely hampered the delivery of essential aid to a population in desperate need, the UN said on Tuesday.

"Without it, the evacuation of the seriously injured, the delivery of medical supplies, and the reception of humanitarian reinforcements are paralyzed," said Bruno Lemarquis, the Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC.

He described the situation as an "absolute emergency," warning that Goma is experiencing a "humanitarian emergency," with medical infrastructure overwhelmed and thousands of civilians deprived of vital assistance.

"All those involved must act without delay to enable humanitarian flights to resume operations and guarantee access to relief supplies," Lemarquis urged. "The survival of thousands of people depends on it."

Goma, a strategically important border city, fell to M23 fighters last month, sparking a humanitarian crisis. According to UN estimates, at least 900 people have been killed in the fighting, and more than 100,000 have been displaced.