Humanitarian aid to thousands in need throughout DR Congo; UN peacekeepers attacked by hostile people
In an update to journalists in New York City during a regular press conference on Wednesday, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that many of those who were forced to flee their homes in Rutshuru region, have found temporary shelter in book, hospitals, churches and other places, although mostly. are living with a host of families who have taken them away.
Food to 50,000 needed
“Despite severe access barriers, humanitarian workers have started helping displaced people in Nyiragongo area, providing them with water and health care. Our partners were also able to distribute food to some 50,000 people,” he added.
More than 180 unaccompanied children have been identified and helped by child protection workers, while some 2,000 others are receiving psychological support, Mr. Dujarric said.
More materials are needed
“Needs still exceed current capacities, particularly in the south of Kayna health zone in Lubero district, which is already home to some 50,000 displaced people.”
The most urgent needs facing those caught in the conflict include water, sanitation and hygiene; as well as the lack of basic housing facilities, shelter, food, health and basic security.
The UN peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO, continues to protect civilians in line with its special mandate, and to work with the Congolese army to suppress the M23 movement – a military group that is mainly formed by the Tutsi to oppose the Hutu forces of the past decade which have gained ground in recent weeks – and other armed groups that hold power across large areas of the east.
Keeping ‘multiple positions’
The UN spokesman said that to increase civilian security, peacekeepers “maintain multiple positions, where possible, in the area of conflict.”
After consultations with national partners, the Mission removed peacekeepers from its base in Rumangabo, in North Kivu, an area where the Congolese army no longer exists, he added.
MONUSCO tweeted that it has made a strategic withdrawal, to prepare for the next steps with national partners, in an effort to advance the M23, which captured the town of Kiwanja on Saturday. Four peacekeepers were injured in the fighting over the weekend, carrying out security operations.
The peacekeepers attacked
Mr. Dujarric also reported that a convoy of peacekeepers had been stoned by hostile mobs, at a military checkpoint near a site for displaced people, around 8 kms north of the regional capital, Goma.
“Two peacekeepers were injured and [at least] a mission ship was burned. The peacekeepers fired warning shots to ensure the safe passage of the convoy.
“Our colleagues note that such violence and destruction of equipment limits the mission’s ability to carry out its mandate to protect civilians and support the delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable areas.”
