The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed alarm at the increased violence in Ituri province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Ongoing hostilities in the town of Bule and surrounding areas have resulted in the deaths of at least 25 civilians and injuries to over 40 individuals in the past month, disrupting life-saving operations.
More than 87,000 displaced people in and around Bule are facing critical shortages of food, healthcare, and clean water due to the insecurity, which has hindered humanitarian assistance for over a month. The volatile security situation has prevented any humanitarian group from operating in the affected areas.
The UN emphasizes the importance of all conflict parties upholding their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. Safe and unhindered humanitarian access is crucial for delivering life-saving aid and preventing further deterioration of the situation, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The government of the DRC reported over 1,500 civilian deaths in escalating violence in the eastern province of South Kivu since early December. Intensified fighting, particularly along the Kamanyola-Uvira axis, has led to significant displacement, with more than 500,000 people forced to flee their homes amid ongoing insecurity.
