As of January 1, 2023, over 230,000 people have evacuated from the escalating violence in eastern DRC, deemed one of the most serious humanitarian crises. The UN highlights the severe impact of clashes involving the M23 group and the Congolese army, amidst widespread human rights violations and dire living conditions.
More than 230,000 individuals have fled from escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since January 1, 2023, according to a recent United Nations report. This situation has been described as one of the most critical humanitarian crises globally. The provinces of North and South Kivu continue to suffer from ongoing conflicts fueled by armed groups, particularly the M23, which has gained significant territory in recent years.
The M23 is regarded as a terrorist organization by the Congolese government and has intensified its control over areas such as the town of Masisi in North Kivu. In recent months, confrontations between non-state armed factions and the Congolese army have escalated, exacerbating the humanitarian situation. Eujin Byun, a spokesperson for the UN refugee agency, emphasized the alarming human rights violations and severe forced displacement occurring in the region.
Currently, the two provinces accommodate approximately 4.6 million internally displaced persons, making DRC one of the largest hosts of displaced individuals globally. Eyewitness reports from local residents indicated ongoing clashes and explosions due to heavy weapons in villages like Kabingo and Ruzirantaka. Notably, intense fighting in Masisi and Lubero has compelled around 150,000 people to leave their homes within only the first six days of the year.
While some individuals returned to their residences after a brief respite on January 4, renewed hostilities forced them to flee once again shortly thereafter. In South Kivu’s Fizi territory, the local government has appealed for international assistance, reporting that approximately 84,000 individuals have sought refuge in the area. The UN has warned that civilians are suffering from indiscriminate bombings, sexual violence, and threats to children’s safety amid worsening humanitarian conditions.
Access to those in need is being severely restricted due to insecurity, obstacles, and the presence of armed groups. The UNHCR is prepared to offer assistance once access is restored, but additional funding is imperative. The agency stated that it requires $226 million to support its operations in DRC this year but has thus far received less than 10 percent of the necessary amount.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced decades of conflict, particularly in its eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, which are rich in resources. The emergence of the M23 armed group, which allegedly has support from Rwanda, has escalated violence significantly in recent years. This protracted instability has led to widespread human rights violations and forced uprooting of millions of people within the country, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis.
In conclusion, the humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is intensifying, with over 230,000 people displaced since the start of January 2023 due to ongoing violence from armed groups such as the M23. The situation is marked by severe human rights abuses and dire living conditions for those affected. Immediate international assistance and increased funding are critical to address the crisis and support the displaced population.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
