People fleeing violence in DR Congo. Fighting in eastern DR Congo has claimed dozens of lives and caused massive displacement Peace and Security
Intensifying fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 70 civilians, forced more than 200,000 people from their homes and deprived thousands of people of food aid. Against this backdrop, the UN warns of a rapidly growing humanitarian crisis that is already spreading beyond the country’s borders.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the situation in South Kivu province has deteriorated sharply since December 2 due to heavy fighting in several areas.
Fighters from the armed group M23 entered the key town of Uvira on Wednesday, according to media reports, with local residents saying there is a climate of fear and uncertainty.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in South Kivu and its humanitarian impact, including the displacement of more than 200,000 people since 2 December,” his spokesman said in a statement on behalf of the UN chief.
Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the M23 offensive in the province. He called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2773.
As reported by Radio Okapi, the radio station of the UN peacekeeping mission in DR Congo, since the beginning of December, more than 74 civilians have been killed and at least 83 injured in clashes between Congolese forces and armed groups. Thousands of people have fled across the border into Burundi and Rwanda.
Most of the displaced in South Kivu itself are sheltering in overcrowded shelters with poor sanitation conditions. Women and girls in such centers are at risk of violence.
Suspension of food aid
Humanitarian programs, including food aid and medical support, cannot be carried out due to instability.
The UN World Food Program (WFP) has suspended operations throughout South Kivu, leaving 25,000 people without food assistance, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said.
“Host families, already facing extreme food insecurity themselves, are sharing their last food supplies with displaced people,” Haq told reporters in New York.
At least 32 WFP-supported schools in Uvira have suspended classes to provide shelter for displaced families. More than 12 thousand children were left without hot school meals, which for many is the only nutritious meal.
Humanitarian organizations warn that food supplies in the region could run out within weeks unless access and funding are restored.
Crisis could become regional
“The humanitarian impact of the crisis is already spreading beyond the country’s borders,” Haque said, noting that nearly 25,000 people have crossed the border into Burundi from 5 to 8 December. People are also fleeing to Rwanda.
In both countries, aid agencies and authorities are expanding emergency relief operations, including providing hot food, clean water and medical services.
The escalation comes despite diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. Last week, DR Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement backed by the United States, which the UN called a “critical step” towards restoring trust.
Crisis deepens due to lack of funding
Lack of funds is worsening the humanitarian emergency. The humanitarian response plan in the Democratic Republic of Congo is only 22 percent funded, with a shortfall of $2 billion. Burundi has mobilized less than $33 million against a need to raise nearly $77 million.
“We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian organizations,” Haque said.