New York, September 2: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently facing a dual crisis. Violence in the eastern regions is forcing many to flee their homes, while the Ebola outbreak is intensifying. The United Nations reports that these challenges are hindering the efforts of their workers on the ground.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated on Tuesday that the escalating violence is displacing people as they seek safety. This movement complicates monitoring the spread of diseases and hampers response efforts.
As of Sunday, national health authorities confirmed 2,950 deaths and 6,100 Ebola infections.
OCHA reported that in Ituri Province, armed attacks in the Mambasa area on Saturday resulted in the deaths of 37 innocent people, with over 35 individuals abducted. According to Xinhua News Agency, violent incidents last month claimed the lives of 86 civilians.
In the neighboring South Kivu Province, approximately 15,000 people have been displaced due to violent clashes in the Walungu area since August 23. Many of the displaced are staying with relatives or acquaintances, but they urgently need basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. Parts of North Kivu Province are also experiencing displacement due to ongoing violent conflicts.
Despite these challenges, OCHA emphasized that the UN and its workers are providing assistance.
The International Organization for Migration reported that it has conducted health check-ups for about 23 million people in the DRC and neighboring countries. This effort helps monitor population movements, identify potential cases, and reduce the risk of cross-border infections.
The UN reiterated its appeal for all parties to protect civilians from violence and to facilitate safe, continuous, and unhindered humanitarian assistance.
Tom Fletcher, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordination, stated, “We cannot respond to a rapidly spreading epidemic in a piecemeal fashion.” During a virtual briefing organized by the World Health Organization, Fletcher called for sustained and large-scale campaigns to combat the Ebola virus. He emphasized the need for working health services, clean water, sanitation, food, and safety. Most importantly, he stressed the need for trust.
The relief chief remarked, “Time is not on our side. We have the experience, resources, and extraordinary individuals risking their lives to stop this epidemic. Now we need political will, access, and resources. We have defeated Ebola before, and we can do it again.”
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