UN: Thousands displaced by escalating violence in DR Congo

UNITED NATIONS (ANTARA) – The United Nations humanitarian agency said on Wednesday (21 October) that escalating violence in south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) had forced thousands of people to flee their homes since August.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said its partners reported that nearly 12,000 people fled Nambya territory in Haut-Lomami Province for Mitwaba territory in Haut-Katanga Province on Monday (19 October).

The report followed attacks that were said to have killed two civilians, wounded several others and led to kidnappings.

OCHA said the newly displaced families had joined around 14,500 others who fled similar attacks earlier this month.

Their arrival is putting additional pressure on host communities and increasing humanitarian needs, particularly for protection, shelter, food, healthcare, water and sanitation.

The UN office warned that further violence could force more families to flee and make it harder for humanitarian workers to reach people in need.

OCHA renewed its call for all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and ensure safe, sustained and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.