Democratic Republic of the Congo: Communities in fear and uncertainty

ICRC 

Operational Update

While the outcome of diplomatic, military and political initiatives currently under way remains uncertain, the humanitarian and security situation in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to be a major concern. The presence of numerous uncontrolled armed groups is still causing massive displacements of people fleeing hostilities and abuse. As a consequence, there is a critical need to protect civilians and to ensure that they have access to health care, water, food and other basic necessities.

Over the past month, fighting has continued between armed forces and groups in both North and South Kivu, in particular in the territories of Niyragongo, Masisi and Beni in North Kivu, and on the Ruzizi plain and in Shabunda Territory in South Kivu. Fighting erupted recently around the city of Baraka in Fizi Territory, South Kivu, and also in the Ituri and Tshopo districts of Eastern Province.

The ICRC has been adapting its response to a very volatile environment in order to meet the needs of conflict victims in the best way possible and to overcome problems of access. "Communities in the most unstable areas of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo live in constant fear. Some are even forced to move away to escape the fighting, threats and looting," said Alessandra Ménegon, head of the ICRC delegation in the country. "Our staff remain on the ground, close to the hardest-hit communities. Civilians are suffering many kinds of trauma, both physical and psychological."

Wounds that take long to heal

Two ICRC surgical teams are carrying on with their work together with the staff of NDosho Hospital in Goma, North Kivu, and of the provincial general referral hospital in Bukavu, South Kivu. Serious war injuries often require specialized surgical procedures spanning a number of weeks or even months. In some cases, physical rehabilitation and psychological support need to be provided. Since the beginning of July, 66 war-injured civilians and military personnel have been admitted to the two hospitals, where more than 250 operations have been performed.