Emergency Intervention in Eastern DR Congo Amid Renewed Fighting

Fighting in eastern DR Congo has resulted in the displacement of over 290,000 people, marking the third wave of displacement this year. Local communities are providing shelter to displaced individuals, despite facing their own challenges. Doctors Without Borders is intervening to provide essential healthcare, nutrition, and support to the affected populations.

Fighting has reignited between the Congolese armed forces and the armed group M23 in Lubero territory of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), resulting in significant displacement of civilians. This marks the third wave of displacement this year, with an estimated 290,000 people forced to flee. Many people are abandoning their homes and livelihoods as violence escalates, especially near Lubero as combat spreads south and north across the region.

Local vulnerable communities are absorbing many displaced individuals, providing shelter despite their own challenges with rising living costs and disrupted supply lines. Unlike in other areas where camps for internally displaced individuals are common, displaced families are often accommodated within local homes, highlighting the solidarity of the host community. However, the situation strains both the displaced and their hosts due to resource shortages, including food and essential supplies.

Health challenges are prevalent among the displaced, with reports of insufficient access to food, basic necessities, and adequate sleeping arrangements. Many families lack blankets or mattresses, causing increased suffering, particularly among women and children who comprise the majority of the displaced population. Local healthcare systems are strained by financial burdens, prompting reliance on self-medication, which poses risks of complications.

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has re-engaged in the region, collaborating with the Ministry of Health to provide basic healthcare and nutrition services. Efforts include support for vaccination initiatives to prevent epidemic outbreaks, including those of measles. MSF aims to improve access to clean water in health facilities and among displaced populations, while also addressing the rising instances of sexual violence in the area.

The ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, particularly in North Kivu province, has led to a humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement and escalating violence. The recent resurgence of fighting between the Congolese military and M23 has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities faced by the population. This region has a history of armed conflict, causing repeated waves of displacement and suffering among civilians, who face dire health and nutrition challenges amid limited access to essential services.

The resumption of fighting in eastern DR Congo’s Lubero territory has resulted in significant civilian displacement and urgent humanitarian needs. Many individuals are being forced to flee their homes, relying on local communities for shelter during this crisis. MSF’s response focuses on providing healthcare, improving nutrition, and enhancing access to water and sanitation for affected populations, all while addressing the increased risks of violence and health complications.

Original Source: reliefweb.int