Over 230,000 Flee Violence in Eastern DRC Amid Escalating Crisis
Over 230,000 people have fled violence in eastern DRC since January 1, as reported by the UN, highlighting a severe humanitarian crisis driven by ongoing conflicts led by the M23 armed group. Many civilians are facing severe human rights violations, and the situation continues to deteriorate, with urgent funding required for relief efforts.
The United Nations reported on Friday that over 230,000 individuals have fled violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the beginning of this year, marking a significant humanitarian crisis. The regions of North and South Kivu, which are rich in resources, have been embroiled in conflict for over thirty years, with the Rwanda-supported armed group M23 becoming increasingly influential in recent times. M23 has been labeled a “terrorist movement” by the DRC government and has captured substantial areas of territory, including the town of Masisi in North Kivu earlier this month.
Eujin Byun, the spokeswoman for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), highlighted that the escalating confrontations between non-state armed factions and the Congolese military are intensifying this humanitarian crisis, which remains underreported on a global scale. The conflict is characterized by severe human rights abuses and large-scale forced displacements, with the two provinces already hosting 4.6 million displaced persons, placing the DRC among the world’s largest internal displacement hosts.
Reports from residents in villages like Kabingo and Ruzirantaka indicate ongoing clashes and bombings from heavy artillery. According to Byun, approximately 150,000 individuals were forced from their homes due to intense fighting in the Masisi and Lubero territories between January 1 and January 6. A temporary calm allowed some to return home on January 4, but renewed violence quickly drove them away again.
In South Kivu’s Fizi territory, local authorities have sought international assistance, as 84,000 individuals have fled to the area for refuge. Byun revealed that civilians are subjected to “indiscriminate bombings and sexual violence,” putting children at risk as well. The deteriorating humanitarian situation is compounded by limited access caused by insecurity, roadblocks, and the presence of violent armed groups.
The UNHCR is prepared to provide assistance once access is granted, yet emphasizes a severe need for funding. The agency has requested $226 million for aid efforts in the DRC this year, but has so far received less than 10 percent of this total.
The situation in eastern DRC, especially in the provinces of North and South Kivu, has a long history of conflict driven by ethnic tensions, political instability, and the competition over natural resources. Since the rise of the M23 armed group, the violence has escalated, leading to numerous human rights violations and a significant humanitarian crisis that affects millions. This ongoing violence continues to produce substantial internal displacement and disrupts essential humanitarian aid operations.
In conclusion, the ongoing violence in eastern DRC has resulted in the displacement of over 230,000 individuals since January 1, 2023, with the conflict marked by humanitarian abuses and a critical funding shortfall for relief efforts. The UNHCR emphasizes the urgent need for increased support to aid those affected by the crisis as the humanitarian conditions worsen.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
