APA-Johannesburg (South Africa) A Norwegian charity has warned of a looming humanitarian catastrophe in the restive east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) unless “immediate action” is taken to address the deteriorating situation in the volatile region.
The Norwegian Refugee Council NRC) on Thursday called for immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC before the situation deteriorated further.
NRC country director Eric Batonon warned that the recent advance of armed groups towards the key town of Sake – a crucial link connecting the city of Goma to the rest of the country – posed an imminent threat to the entire aid system in eastern DRC, “with potentially devastating consequences for the civilian population.”
“All parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians from harm,” Batonon said.
He added: “This includes ending attacks on civilians and ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian assistance.”
Batonon expressed concern at the escalating violence and its devastating impact on innocent lives.
“The targeting of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, is unacceptable and must stop immediately,” he said.
He said the isolation of Goma, home to over two million people and hosting hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals who have fled clashes with armed groups, would bring disastrous consequences to the region.
The incremental isolation of the city hampered the ability of international humanitarian organisations to reach displaced people in the eastern region, exacerbating an already dire situation, he added.
The recent escalation in the conflict in neighbouring Masisi has further restricted humanitarian access, with over 630,000 displaced people in the area remaining without access to essential services such as healthcare and food for over a week.
UN estimates show that there are more than 5.8 million internally displaced people in DRC’s Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika regions combined.
JN/APA