As conflict grows in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the rising death toll and suffering of displaced civilians through brutal attacks, is cause for serious concern said the UN refugee agency UNHCR on Friday, which appealed for fresh funds to meet “soaring needs” across the country.
“This month, simultaneous attacks by armed groups in Ituri Province have left 11 people dead and 250 homes looted and burned. Between February and June this year, UNHCR and partners recorded over 800 deaths from firearm attacks and machete raids on local communities in Ituri,” reported UNHCR spokesperson Matthew Saltmarsh, briefing journalists in Geneva.
According to UNHCR, at least 715 of the victims had been sheltering in internal displacement sites or were killed as they attempted to return home.
In June alone, 97 were killed in attacks that included abductions, looting, and burning of homes, UNHCR says.
Over 20,000 displaced
More than 20,000 people have been driven from their homes by such raids, which are also fueling acute food insecurity in the eastern Ituri province, where agricultural development in this fertile region has been stymied by long-standing intercommunal clashes.
In North Kivu province, a settlement for internally displaced people was destroyed last month by a group of armed men.
“In recent weeks, fighting between the Congolese Army and the M23 (rebel) group in North Kivu Province has displaced more than 160,000 people across Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories. The redeployment of Government troops to this conflict has created power vacuums and a fragile security environment in both Ituri and North Kivu,” said the UNHCR spokesperson.
Terrorized
Strings of coordinated attacks by multiple militia groups are terrorizing communities in the region. The March 23 Movement, known as M23, was militarily defeated by the Congolese army and a special offensive operation carried out by UN peacekeepers from MONUSCO, in 2013. But M23 began to reemerge with coordinated attacks last November.
“The lack of security compounds the existing challenge of intercommunal strife, the lack of infrastructure and an absence of institutions in the region. It also fuels intensified cycles of violence, generating further instability and undermining peace and development efforts,” said Mr. Saltmarsh.
‘Soaring needs’
The humanitarian situation in the east of the country remains extremely fluid as a result of endemic conflicts between communities and between non-State armed groups and security forces, as well as ongoing social and economic challenges and extreme weather events.
“UNHCR’s operation in DRC has received just 19 per cent of the US$225 million required to respond to the increasing needs of refugee and displaced people with urgent and life-saving support,” said Matthew Saltmarsh. That was the budget based on the estimated needs at the beginning of the year. Additional resources are now required to match the soaring needs of newly displaced populations.
UNHCR urged all parties to immediately stop violence, and to respect international humanitarian and human rights law to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. With more than 5.6 million people displaced, the DRC has the largest number of internally displaced people on the continent.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
It is devastating to hear about the escalating violence and suffering faced by displaced civilians in Eastern DR Congo. The increasing death toll and attacks on innocent people are truly alarming. The international community must step up and provide the necessary support to address this humanitarian crisis.
As conflict grows in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the rising death toll and suffering of displaced civilians through brutal attacks are causing serious concern. The UN refugee agency UNHCR’s call for fresh funds to meet “soaring needs” is crucial in addressing the escalating crisis.
“The escalating violence and devastating impact on civilians in the eastern DR Congo is truly alarming. It is crucial that immediate action is taken to address the urgent needs of the displaced population and prevent further tragedies. My heart goes out to all those affected by this crisis.”
As the conflict intensifies in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is truly heartbreaking to see the escalating death toll and suffering of displaced civilians. The recent attacks in Ituri Province resulting in deaths and destruction are a stark reminder of the urgent humanitarian needs in the region. My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this devastating situation.
Is there any plan in place to increase security measures in the region and protect the displaced civilians from further attacks?
Security measures in conflict zones like eastern DR Congo are crucial to protect the vulnerable displaced civilians. Strengthening security forces and increasing humanitarian aid can help mitigate the risks of further attacks on those already facing immense hardships.
As the conflict deepens in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, it is truly devastating to see the escalating death toll and the unimaginable suffering faced by displaced civilians. The UNHCR’s plea for additional funds to address the pressing needs across the country is absolutely vital in these dire circumstances.
As conflict grows in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the rising death toll and suffering of displaced civilians through brutal attacks is causing serious concern, as reported by the UN refugee agency UNHCR. It is crucial for urgent action and increased support to address the escalating crisis and meet the soaring needs across the country.
It’s heartbreaking to see the escalating violence and suffering faced by the displaced civilians in the eastern DRC. The UNHCR’s call for urgent action and funds to address these soaring needs is absolutely crucial. My heart goes out to all those affected by this devastating conflict.
Is there any indication of an increase in international support to address the escalating crisis in the Eastern DRC?
Are there any international efforts being made to provide aid and support to the displaced people in Eastern DR Congo?
Are there any concrete plans in place to address the urgent food security issues in the eastern DRC?
Is there any international intervention planned to address the escalating violence in the eastern DRC?