The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised the alarm over escalating violence in Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is severely disrupting relief operations, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Tuesday.
Bule city and its surroundings have been affected by hostilities since early December, with local authorities reporting at least 25 civilians killed and more than 40 injured last month.
OCHA warned that insecurity has cut off aid to over 87,000 displaced people in Bule and nearby areas, leaving them facing critical shortages of food, healthcare, and safe drinking water. No humanitarian groups have been able to operate in the affected areas for more than a month due to the unstable security situation.
“The United Nations reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers,” Dujarric said. “Safe, predictable, and unimpeded humanitarian access is essential to provide life-saving assistance and prevent further deterioration of the situation.”
