Since the start of 2023, the UN reports that over 230,000 people have fled violence in eastern DRC, particularly in North and South Kivu. The M23 group, a powerful armed entity, continues to escalate conflicts, forcing mass displacements and causing severe humanitarian conditions.
The United Nations has reported that since January 1 of this year, over 230,000 individuals have been displaced due to escalating violence in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This situation has been categorized as one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises.
The provinces of North and South Kivu, rich in resources, have suffered from armed conflict for three decades. The M23 group, which has received backing from Rwanda, has gained prominence and control over significant territories, including the town of Masisi in North Kivu, since its resurgence in 2021.
Eujin Byun, the spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency UNHCR, emphasized that the ongoing clashes between various armed groups and the Congolese army are exacerbating the humanitarian distress in these provinces, where existing populations already include 4.6 million displaced individuals.
Reports from residents indicate that heavy fighting and explosions are occurring in villages such as Kabingo and Ruzirantaka. It is alarming that approximately 150,000 individuals were forced to evacuate their homes in just the first days of January due to intensified confrontations.
Despite a temporary reprieve on January 4, thousands were compelled to flee again as violence resumed shortly thereafter. In South Kivu’s Fizi territory, local officials reported that 84,000 individuals have sought refuge from the conflict.
Byun noted the civilian population is subjected to brutal conditions including indiscriminate bombings and acts of sexual violence. Children are particularly vulnerable in this environment of chaos. Current humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly, as access to these vulnerable groups is hampered by insecurity and armed violence.
The UNHCR stands ready to extend support once safe access is achieved, but it has underscored the urgent need for increased funding. For the year, the agency has set a fundraising goal of $226 million for aid efforts in the DRC, yet less than 10 percent of this amount has been raised thus far.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has long been a battleground due to various armed groups vying for control over its rich resources. The M23 militia, which emerged prominently in recent years, has been associated with external influences and is regarded as a terrorist organization by the Congolese government. The persistent conflict in this region has resulted in massive displacement, compounding the humanitarian crisis that affects millions of individuals within the country.
In summary, the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC has deepened significantly, with over 230,000 individuals already displaced this year alone. The region’s history of conflict, exacerbated by armed groups such as M23, has resulted in widespread violence and violations of human rights. The UNHCR has called for urgent support to mitigate the worsening conditions faced by civilians and seeks substantial financial assistance to aid the relief efforts.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
