Fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebel group continues to cause humanitarian disruption in the Mweso region of North Kivu. As a result, many humanitarian actors have made the decision to withdraw from the town of Mweso and its surroundings, while others have reduced their staff there.
The security situation in the region has become extremely precarious, making it difficult if not impossible for humanitarians to continue working in the area. The clashes between the FARDC and the M23 are mainly concentrated in Bushuwe, at the antennas and in Kabati on the Kilolirwe axis. The detonations of heavy weapons are heard in the chiefdom of Bashali and Kyahemba, as well as in the chiefdom of Bwito.
These latest fights are reported on different axes of the territories of Masisi and Rutshuru, notably in the city of Mweso. Despite a day of relative calm, clashes persist, leading to population displacements and a deterioration in the living conditions of civilians.
The consequences of this fighting on humanitarian activities are significant. Humanitarian organizations find themselves facing major logistical obstacles, as many vehicles are said to have been blocked since Saturday morning at Nturo in Kilolirwe. Additionally, growing insecurity makes it difficult to access vulnerable populations in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
In this context, many humanitarian actors have deemed it necessary to temporarily withdraw from the region pending the restoration of peace and security. However, despite the difficulties, some humanitarian actors maintain their commitment and continue to provide vital assistance to populations affected by the conflict.
It is essential that the international community remains mobilized to support the populations affected by the fighting in the Mweso region. It is necessary to strengthen efforts to protect civilians, access to humanitarian aid and find a lasting political solution to end this cycle of violence.
In conclusion, the fighting between the FARDC and the M23 rebel group continues to have repercussions on humanitarian actors in the Mweso region. Their withdrawal and reduction of personnel compromise the ability to provide life-saving assistance to conflict-affected populations. The situation requires a coordinated international response to ensure the safety of civilians and access to humanitarian aid in the region.