Fresh fighting since last week in the region has displaced an estimated 135,000 people from the town of Sake – on the northern banks of Lake Kivu – who are moving towards the provincial capital, Goma, about 25 kilometres away, according to UNHCR.
The agency further said that it received reports of bombs falling on civilian areas in Sake and Goma, where an estimated 65,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are sheltering, prompting “significant concerns” for their safety.
“The escalating use of heavy artillery and shelling in clashes around Goma poses grave threats to civilian and displaced populations, threatening more casualties and the destruction of buildings used as communal shelters,” UNHCR said.
The presence of unexploded ordnance poses a particular threat to children, it added, noting that since the first week of February, at least 15 civilians had been killed and 29 injured around Goma and Sake.
‘Tragic and unacceptable’ situation
Chansa Kapaya, UNHCR Regional Director for Southern Africa said that men, women and children have been targeted in relentless confrontations.
“The situation is tragic and unacceptable. We urgently call on all parties to protect civilians, respect humanitarian law and establish safe corridors for aid,” she said.
The indiscriminate bombing is amplifying the strain on already limited resources to accommodate 800,000 IDPs in the region, and 2.5 million displaced across North Kivu Province.
Access challenges
The violence continues to restrict access to isolated populations in Masisi territory and Rutshuru, compounding the challenges faced by humanitarian agencies in delivering essential assistance, UNHCR said.
With few viable options for safe passage from Goma, the growing displaced communities in the town face rapidly deteriorating conditions, it added.
UNHCR emphasized the imperative to safeguard the lives and well-being of civilians and those driven from their homes.
It also called for an immediate halt to fighting, and for urgent negotiations to resolve the conflict and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the violence.
Floods, cholera outbreak
The fighting and displacement come against the backdrop of a devastating cholera outbreak and massive floods in January that wreaked havoc across the DRC.
Some 100,000 houses, 1,325 schools, 267 health facilities and large swathes of agricultural land have been damaged or destroyed as of last week, leaving an estimated two million people – nearly 60 per cent of them children – in need of assistance.
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It is heartbreaking to read about the escalating violence in eastern DR Congo. The safety and well-being of the innocent civilians, especially women and children, must be the top priority in any conflict situation. Urgent action is needed to establish safe corridors for aid and ensure the protection of those displaced by the fighting.
How can we ensure the safety of the displaced populations amid the escalating fighting in eastern DR Congo?
To ensure the safety of the displaced populations amid the escalating fighting, immediate action needs to be taken by establishing safe corridors for aid. It is crucial that all parties involved respect humanitarian law and prioritize the protection of civilians, particularly the most vulnerable like women and children. The international community must come together to address this urgent humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo.
How can the international community contribute to ensuring the safety of the displaced populations in Goma and Sake?
The international community can play a vital role in ensuring the safety of displaced populations in Goma and Sake by providing humanitarian aid, supporting peacekeeping efforts, and advocating for the protection of civilians in conflict zones. Collaboration between countries and organizations is crucial to effectively address the needs of those affected and prevent further harm.
As a humanitarian worker, it breaks my heart to hear about the escalating violence in Eastern DR Congo. The safety of civilians, especially children, must be the top priority in any conflict situation. We need urgent action to protect the innocent and provide necessary aid. Let’s hope for a swift resolution to this tragic situation.
As a humanitarian aid worker, I am deeply saddened by the escalating violence in Eastern DR Congo. It is heartbreaking to see innocent civilians, including women and children, being targeted in these conflicts. The situation is dire and urgent action is needed to protect those affected and ensure access to essential aid. Let’s hope for a swift resolution and peace for the people of this region.
As a humanitarian worker, it’s heartbreaking to see the escalating violence in Eastern DR Congo causing so much suffering. The safety of civilians, especially children, must be the top priority. Urgent actions are needed to protect the vulnerable population in the region.
It is devastating to see the ongoing violence in Eastern DR Congo displacing so many innocent people. The situation is unacceptable and urgent action is needed to protect civilians and provide humanitarian aid.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the escalating conflict in Eastern DR Congo. The safety of civilians, especially women and children, should be the top priority. All parties involved must work towards a peaceful resolution and ensure the protection of those affected by this crisis.
Is there any information on the efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the displaced population in Goma and Sake?
Yes, there are ongoing efforts to provide humanitarian aid to the displaced population in Goma and Sake. Various organizations are working tirelessly to deliver food, shelter, medical assistance, and other essential supplies to those affected by the conflict. The situation is dire, but the commitment to assisting those in need remains strong.
It’s heartbreaking to hear about the escalating violence in Eastern DR Congo. The safety of civilians, especially women and children, should be the top priority. It’s essential that all parties involved in the conflict respect humanitarian laws and ensure safe corridors for aid. My thoughts are with the displaced population and I hope for a swift resolution to this crisis.
Are there any efforts being made to provide assistance to the displaced populations in Goma and Sake amidst the escalating violence?