Escalating Violence in Eastern DRC Raises Humanitarian Concerns
Surge in Attacks on Civilians
Photo: IANS
United Nations, May 9: A concerning increase in violent assaults on civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been reported, according to a spokesperson from the UN.
Over the past three days, at least 34 civilians have lost their lives due to a series of attacks in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, as stated by Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, referencing information from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
In the Ituri region, particularly in Irumu and Mambasa, attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians between Tuesday and Thursday. This violence has compelled many to seek refuge in nearby villages within North Kivu province, Haq reported.
In Oicha, North Kivu, an armed group’s assault near the Ituri border reportedly claimed the lives of at least 19 civilians on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Local sources indicated that numerous civilians were attacked while tending to their fields, with several individuals still unaccounted for, according to Haq.
In the gold-rich area of Mambasa, Ituri, reports suggest that at least 130 civilians have been killed and over 500 abducted since mid-March.
This ongoing violence has led to the displacement of more than 68,000 individuals within Mambasa and into the neighboring Tshopo province, while over 310,000 people have been displaced across the Beni and Lubero territories in North Kivu province, as noted by the deputy spokesperson.
"Our humanitarian partners are actively evaluating the situation regarding displacement and urgent needs," Haq stated.
"These attacks are exacerbating humanitarian and protection issues in the northern regions of eastern DRC. We urge all conflict parties to halt attacks on civilians immediately and to adhere to their responsibilities under international humanitarian law," he added.