Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
UNITED NATIONS, 8th Feb. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric on Wednesday told reporters in a regular press briefing in New York that the UN humanitarian officials voiced deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Masisi territory in North Kivu of DRC.
He asaid that the fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group displaced at least 130,000 people in different areas of the Masisi territory in the past two weeks.
“This is adding to an already dire situation in North Kivu,” he said.
Mr. Dujarric noted that people have limited access to food, clean water, healthcare and shelter.
UN officials said that the clashes have impacted the road between Sake and Bweremana, a major route connecting the provinces of North and South Kivu.
Mr. Dujarric said that “This risks isolating Goma, a city of 2 million people, which also hosts more than 500,000 displaced people. It could jeopardize food security and economic activities in Goma and the area”.
He added that growing insecurity in Masisi is preventing some 630,000 people who were displaced from accessing crucial medical care, including medical assistance for those injured in the conflict.
“The risk of further violence, including in Goma, remains high,” he warned.
He called for unimpeded humanitarian access to address people’s urgent needs.
“We also urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and take concrete action to protect civilians,” he added.
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