UN warns of humanitarian crisis as conflict intensifies in South Kivu and North Kivu

In a recent government meeting, pressing issues surrounding the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took center stage, highlighting the dire humanitarian crisis and the challenges faced by displaced populations. As the meeting unfolded, concerns were raised about the ongoing violence and the forced return of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals to their homes without adequate support or safety guarantees.

Miss Gaeta, a key speaker, emphasized the alarming situation created by the M23 rebel group, which has exacerbated the plight of civilians. She pointed out that misinformation and the Congolese authorities' suspension of social media platforms like X and TikTok pose significant threats to the right to information, urging for the immediate restoration of these services. The region's sensitive history adds weight to her concerns about ethnically motivated attacks, which remain a serious issue.

The meeting also provided updates from peacekeeping colleagues in the DRC, clarifying that the MONUSCO mission is actively protecting unarmed civilians who have sought refuge within its bases, adhering strictly to international humanitarian law. However, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, particularly in South Kivu, where ongoing clashes have led to mass displacements and civilian casualties. Reports indicate that thousands are fleeing active combat zones towards Bukavu, with recent bombings injuring civilians and damaging infrastructure.

In North Kivu, the risks faced by aid workers were starkly illustrated by the tragic killing of three NGO workers, prompting the suspension of vital food and agricultural assistance for 36,000 people. Meanwhile, assessments in Goma reveal that hundreds of thousands remain displaced, with nearly 33,000 individuals returning to villages in the Nyiragongo territory.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that health facilities in North Kivu have been severely impacted by violence, with many destroyed and others struggling to operate. Routine health services are disrupted, and the threat of infectious diseases looms large, with cholera and malaria among the most pressing concerns. The water supply in Goma has been compromised, leading to increased reliance on potentially contaminated sources.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency for humanitarian assistance was palpable, with calls for more resources to address the escalating crisis. The discussions not only shed light on the immediate needs of the DRC but also underscored the broader implications for regional stability and the protection of human rights in the face of ongoing conflict.