The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has sounded the alarm over escalating violence in the Ituri province of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which is severely disrupting relief operations.
The town of Bule 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 the insecurity has cut off aid to more than 87,000 displaced people in Bule and nearby areas, leaving them facing critical shortages of food, healthcare, and clean water. No humanitarian group has been able to operate in the affected zones for over 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 aid workers,” a statement said. “Safe, predictable, and unimpeded humanitarian access is essential to deliver life-saving assistance and prevent a further deterioration of the situation.”