Violent armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are impeding the Ebola response efforts, with some groups briefly detaining aid workers, according to UN humanitarians. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) disclosed that five aid workers were temporarily held by armed groups in Ituri province, the primary area of the Ebola outbreak, responsible for over 90% of confirmed cases.
Access to aid remains severely restricted in various areas of South Kivu province due to ongoing conflicts, leading to the displacement of nearly 20,000 individuals from their homes following recent clashes in Mwenga and Shabunda territories. Displaced families urgently require essentials such as food, shelter, healthcare, clean water, and protection.
The situation in Fizi territory is also challenging, as armed groups persistently disrupt humanitarian access, jeopardizing aid distribution and the safety of relief workers. In South Kivu, there were at least 57 incidents from January to May directly affecting humanitarian operations, including staff threats, aid delivery disruptions, and movement constraints, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Despite these significant obstacles, the United Nations and its partners are steadfast in supporting national authorities to contain the outbreak and provide aid. However, the safety of humanitarian personnel is at risk without adequate security assurances. The UN emphasizes the need for all parties involved to safeguard civilians and ensure unimpeded access to those requiring assistance.
