DRC: Humanitarian Operations Suspended in Two South Kivu Cities Following Clashes, UN Reports

DRC: Humanitarian Operations Suspended in Two South Kivu Cities Following Clashes, UN Reports
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Humanitarian activities in Fizi and Baraka, two cities in the South Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), have been suspended due to recent clashes, the United Nations reported Tuesday according to Xinhua News Agency.

Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, told a daily briefing that the violence has caused widespread panic among civilians, with reports of looting by armed groups. Local authorities estimate that approximately 110,000 people have fled to other parts of South Kivu since 8 December, while others have crossed into neighboring Burundi. Some individuals are also reportedly moving toward Tanzania.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is actively engaging with all parties to enable the safe movement of aid teams and the resumption of humanitarian operations.

Meanwhile, the UN Refugee Agency reported that more than 78,000 people, including asylum seekers, returnees, and migrants, have crossed into Burundi from South Kivu since 5 December. About 15,000 have been relocated to Bweru and Makombe displacement and transition sites, which are experiencing a sharp increase in population.

Health authorities have reported dozens of cholera cases and two confirmed mpox cases at the Gatumba displacement site near the DRC border. UN health partners are working to contain and manage these outbreaks while continuing to provide emergency support to affected populations.