At least 30 people were killed and dozens more injured in attacks in Beni territory in the DRC between July 13-19, prompting at least six humanitarian organisations to suspend movements to affected areas.
United Nations (UN) Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said insecurity is continuing to undermine life-saving operations in eastern North Kivu province. “Insecurity continues to impact humanitarian operations in the eastern parts of North Kivu province,” Dujarric said.
Dujarric said the violence is also affecting efforts to contain the country’s worsening Ebola outbreak. “This includes our efforts to respond to the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which is only getting worse,” Dujarric said.
The fresh attacks come as fighting between DRC security forces and the M23 armed group continues to destabilise eastern DRC. The conflict has displaced civilians, restricted humanitarian access and increased pressure on communities already affected by disease outbreaks and insecurity.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that movement restrictions make it harder to deliver assistance, conduct disease surveillance, support treatment centres and reach communities at risk of infection.
National health authorities have reported 2 473 confirmed Ebola cases across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo provinces.
The UN is working with humanitarian partners and local authorities to expand surveillance, laboratory testing, treatment and community engagement activities. UN peacekeepers are also supporting efforts to deter attacks on healthcare facilities.
Dujarric called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and allow aid workers to operate safely. “We reiterate our call on all parties to protect civilians and ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access,” Dujarric said.
Dujarric said the safety of healthcare workers and humanitarian personnel remains central to slowing the spread of Ebola and ensuring affected communities receive assistance. “The safety of all health workers and humanitarian personnel remains essential to containing the outbreak and delivering assistance to all those people who need it,” Dujarric said.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
