Today we are going to talk about a current issue that is causing deep concern: attacks against civilians in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The humanitarian coordinator in the DRC, Bruno Lemarquis, launched an urgent appeal for the preservation of humanitarian space in the face of this escalation of violence.
In a press release from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Bruno Lemarquis expresses his sadness and concern at the lives lost and the suffering endured by the affected population for several years. He particularly deplores the recent killings of civilians in Oicha, in the Beni territory, which resulted in numerous injuries and forced thousands of people to flee their homes.
Furthermore, following this tragedy, angry demonstrators set fire to two humanitarian NGO vehicles and three trucks transporting food assistance, forcing many organizations to suspend their activities in Oicha. As a result, more than 140,000 people in need are deprived of essential humanitarian assistance.
Unfortunately, this is not the only incident of its kind in the region. Since the beginning of October, armed violence in the territories of Rutshuru and Masisi has also led to massive displacements, affecting nearly 200,000 additional people. Faced with these challenges, humanitarian actors on the ground are striving to maintain their presence and intensify their operations to provide emergency assistance to more than 3 million people in need in North Kivu.
These events highlight the critical importance of preserving humanitarian space and supporting efforts to help populations affected by violence. It is essential to guarantee the safety of humanitarian actors and to create an environment conducive to the delivery of necessary aid. Close cooperation between local authorities, security forces and humanitarian organizations is essential to alleviate the suffering of civilians and facilitate the reconstruction of the region.
In conclusion, in the face of escalating attacks against civilians in North Kivu, it is imperative to preserve humanitarian space and provide emergency aid to the millions of people in need. It is time to take concrete measures to put an end to this violence and guarantee the security and well-being of affected populations. International solidarity and cooperation are essential to confront these challenges and contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous future for the DRC.