A humanitarian coordinator in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. Bruno Lemarquis has strongly condemned the brutal attack on relief workers on 5 February 2025 in the village of Kabirangiriro, North Kivu.
The attack resulted in the death of three staff from the NGO HEKS/EPER, an aid organisation of the Protestant Church in Switzerland.
The relief organisation’s humanitarian colleagues were attacked while providing vital assistance to vulnerable populations affected by conflict in Rutshuru territory.
”This tragedy causes significant harm not only to the families of the victims and their organisation but also to the whole community due to the suspension of HEKS/EPER’s activities in the Bambo health zone following the tragic incident” Mr. Bruno Lemarquis said.
”Attacks on humanitarian workers are a serious violation of international humanitarian law, and I strongly condemn any violence targeting those committed to providing vital assistance to the most vulnerable” he said.
According to him despite continuous call by his organisation to respect the principles protecting humanitarian workers, the ongoing escalation of violence in North and South Kivu further puts at high risk the lives and the work of these actors, essential for the survival of conflict-affected populations.
Thousands have been killed since the latest flare-up in eastern DR Congo where government forces have been battling rebels of the M23 who have captured the North Kivu capital Goma.
Millions have been forced from their homes over the past six years.
WN/as/APA