Kinshasa, Dec 17 (Prensa Latina) The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported the suspension of humanitarian activities in Fizi and Baraka due to the ongoing violence in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Several areas of the province are experiencing clashes between rebels of the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) and the Congolese Armed Forces and their allies. Humanitarian operations have been suspended for several days due to the insecurity.

“Since December 8, local authorities estimate that some 110,000 people have fled to other areas of South Kivu, while others have crossed into Burundi.

There are also reports of people continuing their journey toward Tanzania,” a report from the agency stated.

The report added that most displaced families are sheltering in public spaces without access to humanitarian assistance, while partners have begun delivering emergency aid in the cities of Uvira and Bukavu, with more aid expected to be sent in the coming days.

“OCHA continues to work with all parties to facilitate the safe movement of humanitarian teams and the resumption of aid operations,” the report emphasized.

According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 78,000 Congolese have crossed into Burundi since December 5, and to date, some 15,000 people have been transferred to the Bweru and Makombe displacement and transition camps.

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