The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC is escalating due to M23 rebel attacks, resulting in mass displacements and increasing fatalities. Reports of rising crime and violence against aid workers further compound the situation. The UN has emphasized the urgent need for adherence to humanitarian laws and security measures, as the situation remains precarious and unpredictable.
The humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is deteriorating as M23 rebel attacks continue to displace large numbers of civilians and lead to numerous fatalities. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), humanitarian workers have also fallen victim, amidst a backdrop of extensive human rights violations. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that, in Lubero Territory, clashes prompted the displacement of over 100,000 individuals, including many children.
The violence in North and South Kivu persists, with M23 rebels capturing significant territories and causing thousands to flee. The security climate is increasingly volatile, marked by rising incidents of crime such as home invasions, kidnappings, and vehicle thefts targeting aid organizations in Goma. Sadly, these criminal acts have led to fatalities among civilians and aid workers alike.
South Kivu has witnessed a similar uptick in crime and insecurity, especially in Bukavu and Uvira, where reports of rape and looting have surfaced. Tragically, a humanitarian worker in North Kivu was killed by a stray bullet amidst conflict on February 20, increasing the toll of aid workers lost in the region this year to six. Dujarric emphasized the need for all conflict parties to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights laws.
The UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, has cautioned that the security situation in areas under M23 control remains “unstable and highly unpredictable,” with further advances by the group towards Lubero. MONUSCO’s operational capacity is significantly hampered in these areas, although it strives to protect many individuals seeking refuge within its bases and facilitates their eventual safe relocation from Goma.
Most recently, MONUSCO successfully conducted the medical evacuation of 19 troops from the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) from the eastern regional capital, Goma, highlighting the ongoing challenges in the region.
The situation in eastern DRC is dire, characterized by rampant violence and human rights abuses due to the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels. Thousands have been displaced, crime is on the rise, and humanitarian workers face lethal risks. The UN continues to advocate for adherence to humanitarian laws while addressing the critical security challenges posed by the conflict. As the deteriorating conditions escalate, the necessity for international attention and assistance becomes ever more urgent.
Original Source: news.un.org
