The violent conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), which is still increasing, runs the risk of extending to the entire nation and even becoming a regional problem if it does not intervene immediately, warned Cáritas Internationalis.
In a statement presented during the 58th Ordinary Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the organization highlighted the generalized effects of the conflict, which has caused at least 7,000 deaths.
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“We express our deep concern for the deterioration of the security and humanitarian crisis in the east of the RDC, which runs the risk of extending to the whole country and the region if measures are not taken,” said Cáritas in the UNHRC session, which began on February 24 and is scheduled to end on April 4.
“The looting of humanitarian supplies, the closure of the airports in rubber and bukavu, and the insecurity in the main roads have greatly hindered access to humanitarian aid,” said the representatives of the organization.
Conflict climbing and humanitarian crisis
The conflict in the RDC has intensified significantly in recent months, with the rebel group Movement March 23 (M23) achieving important territorial advances.
On January 27, the M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, announced that they had taken control of the capital of the Eastern province of the RDC, rubber, according to a reuters report. The news agency also reported that on February 16, the M23 rebels captured Bukavu, the second largest city in the country.
Bukavu, a key city in the province of Kivu del Sur for its mining activity, has interrupted educational institutions and businesses, causing a massive exodus of residents and Congolese soldiers.
Some of the most recent reports on this prolonged crisis in the eastern region of the RDC, rich in minerals, indicate that, in addition to the thousands of dead, the conflict has displaced some 600,000 people.
On February 28, the rebels of the M23 kidnapped at least 130 patients from two rubber hospitals, accusing them of being Congolese soldiers or members of the Wazalendo pro -government militia.
On March 4, Reuters reported that an explosion directed against a convoy of rebel leaders in Bukavu left 17 dead. The city has been under the control of M23 since February, and both the government and the rebels have blamed each other for the attack.
Cáritas complaint about the humanitarian crisis
In a two -page statement also signed by the Jesuit service to refugees (JRS) and Act Alliance, Cáritas denounced that the generalized cuts in international aid have caused a serious shortage of resources, leaving the population without adequate access to food, medical care and refuge.
The organization also warned about the significant increase in sexual violence in the regions affected by the conflict, while medical facilities lack the human, material and financial resources necessary to provide emergency care to victims.
In addition, Cáritas warned that “the absence of antiretroviral supplies and medical support exposes survivors to greater long -term risks.”
Regarding the effects of conflict on educational institutions, the organization said that “young people and children are at risk of being recruited in armed groups and are deprived of education due to prolonged closure of schools, which increases their vulnerability to exploitation and violence.”
Call to action
Despite these challenges, Cáritas stressed that local actors, including local churches, remain firm in their work to provide essential support to affected populations and advocate for the restoration of peace.
In his statement, he called to guarantee immediate, sustainable and without restrictions through safe runners, as well as the allocation of material and financial resources according to the needs of the affected population.
The group also stressed the need to protect the displaced people internally, ensuring their voluntary and safe return in accordance with the Kampala Convention and the relevant guiding principles.
In addition, he urged “to prevent exploitation and forced recruitment of young people and children, and guarantee access to education by reopening schools in a safe environment.”
“Stop hostilities and promote an inclusive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the conflict” is also among the recommendations of Cáritas Internationalis to help end the crisis in this nation of central Africa.
Translated and adapted by ACI Press. Originally published in ACO Africa.
Silas Isenjia
Silas Mwale Isenjia has a degree in linguistics, media and communication from Moi University in Kenya. It has extensive experience in the media production industry. He is a journalist from ACI Africa.