Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Tragedy Strikes: Three Local Staff Killed in Humanitarian Mission
GENEVA: A Swiss NGO, Swiss Church Aid (HEKS/EPER), has announced that three of its local staff were killed during a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s war-torn east. The organization has suspended all project activities in the area, including urgent aid to displaced families, ensuring supplies of drinking water, and working on road infrastructure to open humanitarian access.
Background to the Conflict
The M23 armed group and Rwandan troops last week captured Goma, the capital of the mineral-rich DRC province of North Kivu, which has been blighted by three decades of conflict. The Rwandan-backed M23 has launched a new offensive in the neighboring province of South Kivu, marking a major escalation in the vast central African country’s volatile east.
Humanitarian Crisis
This conflict has triggered a spiraling humanitarian crisis, forcing half a million people from their homes since the start of the year, according to UN figures. The fighting between armed groups backed by regional rivals, including the M23, has resulted in widespread displacement, violence, and human rights abuses.
NGO’s Response
HEKS/EPER has been present in DR Congo since 2019, working on various aid projects, including urgent aid to displaced families, ensuring supplies of drinking water, and working on road infrastructure to open humanitarian access. The organization has set up a taskforce to ensure the repatriation of the killed employees and support for their families. The task force is also working to obtain reliable information about the background and circumstances of the attack as quickly as possible.
Funding and Impact
The organization’s projects in DR Congo are funded by among others the US Agency for International Development (USAID), which has been shut down since President Donald Trump returned to power last month. The suspension of project activities in North Kivu will likely have a significant impact on the affected communities, who rely on these vital services.
Conclusion
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s east is critical, and it is essential that the international community comes together to support the people affected by this conflict. The humanitarian crisis is spiraling out of control, and it is crucial that we work together to provide assistance to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s east?
A: The conflict between armed groups backed by regional rivals, including the M23, has escalated, resulting in widespread displacement, violence, and human rights abuses.
Q: What is the humanitarian crisis?
A: The conflict has triggered a spiraling humanitarian crisis, forcing half a million people from their homes since the start of the year, according to UN figures.
Q: What is HEKS/EPER doing to address the situation?
A: HEKS/EPER has set up a taskforce to ensure the repatriation of the killed employees and support for their families, and is working to obtain reliable information about the background and circumstances of the attack.