The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said The situation in South Kivu province has deteriorated sharply since December 2 due to heavy fighting in several territories, including Uvira, Walungu, Mwenga, Shabunda, Kabare, Fizi and Kalehe.
According to media reports, members of the M23 armed group entered the key town of Uvira on Wednesday and residents described a feeling of fear and uncertainty.
Radio Okapi, managed by the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCOreported that more than 74 civilians have been killed and at least 83 injured in clashes between Congolese forces and armed groups since early December. The station said thousands more people fled across the borders into Burundi and Rwanda.
Most displaced people in South Kivu are sheltering in overcrowded sites, facing increased protection risks, poor sanitation and the growing threat of epidemics. Displaced women and girls face increased risks of gender-based violence in overcrowded shelters.
Food aid suspended
Humanitarian aid programs, including food aid and health care, have been affected by the insecurity.
The United Nations World Food Program (PAM) suspended operations across South Kivu, depriving 25,000 people of vital food aid, according to to UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq.
“Host families, already facing emergency levels of food insecurity, are sharing the rest of their food with displaced people,” he told reporters in New York.
At least 32 WFP-supported schools in Uvira have halted classes to shelter displaced families, depriving more than 12,000 children of what is often their only daily hot meal. Aid agencies have warned that the region’s food stocks could run out within weeks if access and funding are not restored.
Cross-border fears grow
“The humanitarian impact of the crisis now extends beyond borders,” Haq said, noting that nearly 25,000 people crossed into Burundi between December 5 and 8, with other arrivals also reported in Rwanda.
In both countries, humanitarian partners and national authorities are stepping up their emergency assistance, including hot meals, clean water and health services.
This escalation comes despite diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. Last week, the DRC and Rwanda signed a US-backed peace deal, welcomed by the United Nations as a “crucial step” towards restoring confidence.
Funding problems worsen the crisis
Funding gaps add to the emergency.
The DRC Humanitarian Response Plan is only 22 percent funded, leaving a shortfall of nearly $2 billion, Haq warned. In Burundi, less than $33 million has been mobilized against a need of nearly $77 million to support new arrivals.
“We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access,” he said.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
