U.N. warns renewed fighting in eastern DRC has displaced tens of thousands while humanitarian appeals remain underfunded

The United Nations said Friday that continued fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed civilians and prompted fresh displacement while humanitarian funding remains woefully short.

U.N. humanitarian briefings said that fighting in North Kivu between the M23 and other armed groups continued this week in territories including Rutshuru and Lubero, with partners reporting at least eight civilians killed and more than 42,500 people displaced in affected areas. In South Kivu, clashes since early July have been reported in Walungu, Kabare, Fizi, Mwenga and Kalehe; partners said at least 37,000 people were displaced from their homes in parts of South Kivu.

Why it matters: The U.N. said a humanitarian convoy planned between the provincial capital Bukavu and the town of Uvira was postponed because the route lacked sufficient security guarantees. Attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) across borders between North Kivu and Ituri have reportedly killed at least 65 civilians and caused additional displacement.

The U.N. also said its DRC response plan, launched in February, is underfunded: halfway through the year it is less than 13% funded, with about $321 million received to date. U.N. officials warned that limited funding and access constraints force partners to scale back operations and disrupt essential services such as food, shelter and health care for civilians.

Humanitarian partners on the ground said they are working to maintain services but face restricted access, security impediments and funding shortfalls. The briefing called on the international community to increase funding to avert a larger humanitarian catastrophe.