Source: UN News: Monday, 15 December 2025 00:01 AM
The recent resurgence of fighting in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has killed more than 70 people and displaced more than two lakh people. Thousands of these people have been deprived of food aid. United Nations agencies have warned that the scope of this new humanitarian disaster is increasing so much that its effects can be seen even beyond the borders. United Nations Office for Disaster Relief Coordination – OCHA UN Assistance Mission in DRC (UN Assistance Mission in DRC) has said that the situation has deteriorated rapidly since December 2, with heavy fighting erupting in several locations in South Kivu province. According to media reports, members of the armed group M23 entered the town of Uvira on Wednesday and people there have described a situation of extreme fear and uncertainty. UN Assistance Mission in DRC – MONUSCO More than 74 civilians have been killed and at least 83 have been wounded in fighting between Congolese forces and armed groups since early December, Radio Okapi, operated by Congo, reported. Impacts across the border too, according to Radio Okapi, thousands of people have crossed the border into Burundi and Rwanda. Most of the displaced people have taken shelter in places in South Kivu that are already overcrowded. And due to poor sanitation conditions there, there is a danger of spread of diseases. Displaced women and girls face increased risks of gender-based violence in overcrowded settings. Insecurity in the country has hampered humanitarian assistance programs, including food and medical care to those in need. UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, speaking at headquarters in New York, said: world food program ,WFP) has suspended its aid operations in South Kivu, due to which 25 thousand people will not be able to receive life-saving food aid. The spokesperson said that the humanitarian impact of this crisis is reaching beyond the borders and between 5 and 8 December, about 25 thousand people have reached Burundi. Some people are also reported to have reached Rwanda. Humanitarian aid partners and national authorities in both countries have stepped up their disaster relief efforts, including providing fresh food, safe water and health services. Aid agencies have said the disaster has been compounded by a lack of funding.
