The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC worsens due to M23 rebel assaults, displacing thousands and resulting in fatalities, including aid workers. Crime rates surge in Goma and South Kivu, with escalating violence and human rights violations reported. MONUSCO acknowledges the unpredictable security climate and continues to provide refuge and support to affected populations.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is escalating due to ongoing M23 rebel attacks that have displaced tens of thousands and resulted in numerous fatalities. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), aid workers are among the casualties, with reports of widespread human rights abuses. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric revealed that in Lubero Territory, north of Goma, clashes last week resulted in over 100,000 individuals, including many children, fleeing their homes.
The violence in North and South Kivu is intensifying. The M23 rebels are advancing, capturing significant towns and exacerbating the humanitarian situation. With the security environment deteriorating, there has been a notable rise in criminal activities in Goma, including home invasions, kidnappings, and vehicle hijackings targeting humanitarian organizations, some of which have tragically led to fatalities.
In South Kivu, particularly in Bukavu and Uvira, there is a parallel surge in crime, with reports of looting and sexual violence documented by UN aid agencies. Tragically, this violence has also extended to humanitarian workers; one was fatally wounded by a stray bullet during clashes in Masisi Territory. This marks a total of six aid workers killed in the region since January.
The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing instability in M23-controlled areas, which remains highly unpredictable. Despite these challenges, MONUSCO continues to provide refuge to thousands seeking safety within its various bases and is actively seeking safe transfer options for these individuals. Furthermore, MONUSCO recently facilitated the medical evacuation of 19 troops from the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) from Goma.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC is deepening due to intensified rebel activity and rising crime rates, leading to significant displacement and loss of life. The situation remains unstable, prompting calls for adherence to international humanitarian and human rights laws. The UN continues to seek solutions to protect vulnerable populations amid these challenges.
Original Source: news.un.org
