Renewed violence in DR Congo threatens civilians amid Ebola outbreak: UN
United Nations, June 6 (IANS) Increased deadly attacks in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) this week isolate communities and threaten the Ebola response, UN humanitarians have warned.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Friday (local time) said the intensifying violence is claiming civilian lives and severely restricting humanitarian access in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
OCHA said that in North Kivu, local authorities reported an armed attack in Beni territory on Tuesday night that killed at least 24 civilians and triggered fresh displacement.
In neighbouring Masisi territory, heavy clashes on Wednesday prompted more residents to flee their homes, compounding a crisis that has displaced 270,000 people as of May.
“The renewed violence has compelled humanitarian organisations to restrict movements in several areas, further limiting access to affected populations,” said OCHA.
The office said that in South Kivu, local authorities reported hostilities on Wednesday in the Fizi and Mwenga territories, which reportedly involved the use of drones, sparking more displacement. Over the past two years, insecurity in the areas has cut off more than 165,000 people from regular assistance, reports Xinhua news agency.
“OCHA expresses grave concern that ongoing violence in the two eastern provinces could hinder the response to the Ebola epidemic as well as ongoing humanitarian assistance,” the office said.
Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said Friday that there have been Ebola cases reported in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Ebola and the insecurity make humanitarian work, which is already challenging, even more complicated, he said.
OCHA said life-saving assistance continues wherever possible, despite the challenges. Since April, humanitarian partners have provided cash assistance to more than 8,000 people in Beni territory.
OCHA said the United Nations is calling on all parties to respect international humanitarian law and provide unimpeded, safe and sustained humanitarian access.
–IANS
sd/
