North Kivu: OCHA calls for civilians to be spared during fighting

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a statement, last weekend, on the humanitarian situation in North Kivu (eastern DRC). It depicts a situation of the population sufferings following fierce fighting between the M23 and the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo), calling on parties to spare civilians in accordance with international law. INFO SOS Médias Burundi

In a press release, OCHA alerted on the experience of the displaced in several localities of North Kivu.

“[…] the displaced who fled the fighting between the M23 and the army are living in inhuman conditions,” the document reads.

The NGO insists that human lives are in danger and that “tens of thousands of people have been gripped by armed violence in the localities of Kitshanga (Masisi territory), Kishishe (Rutshuru territory) and their surroundings in the province of North Kivu, forcing them to flee their homes”.

Bruno Lemarquis, Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC regrets that thousands of victims are suffering following the fighting in the east of the country. He calls for civilians to be spared.

“The recent violence reminds us once again of the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, in accordance with international humanitarian law”, he warns.

Several people continue to flee their homes following hostilities between the FARDC and M23 rebels.

More than 60,000 new displaced persons have been registered over the past week, according to local civil society.