Massive Displacement As Fighting Surges In Eastern DR Congo

Displaced civilians of DR Congo

The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR says civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are once again bearing the brunt of localised violence.

UNHCR, in a statement, revealed that it has come amid a sharp uptick in fighting between Government forces and the M23 armed group.

According to UNHCR, the displaced people were moving towards the provincial capital of Goma, about 25 kilometres away.

The agency further said it received reports of bombs falling on civilian areas in Sake and Goma, where an estimated 65,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are sheltering.

It added that the situation had since prompted “significant concerns” for their safety.

“The escalating use of heavy artillery and shelling in clashes around Goma poses grave threats to civilian and displaced populations, threatening more casualties and the destruction of buildings used as communal shelters,” UNHCR said.

Similarly, UNHCR Regional Director for Southern Africa, Chansa Kapaya,  said that men, women, and children have been targeted in relentless confrontations.

“The situation is tragic and unacceptable. We urgently call on all parties to protect civilians, respect humanitarian law, and establish safe corridors for aid,” she said.