UN Rings Alarm on Toll from Rising Violence in DR Congo

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is alarmed by the worsening violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has reached a "devastating level". Over 1.3 million people fled their homes due to conflict in North Kivu, causing internal displacement of 5.7 million people.

Insecurity has worsened since the end of recent elections, UN Special Representative Bintou Keita told the Security Council on Wednesday. Fighting has intensified with bombings targeting civilians, forcing nearly 300,000 people to flee to Goma. UNHCR is concerned about dire conditions in overcrowded displacement sites, with limited resources for shelter, sanitation, and food. Sexual abuse and attacks on schools and hospitals further endanger displaced people.

InFocus

Congolese refugees arriving in Uganda's southwestern Kisoro District (file photo).

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.