Crisis in Eastern Congo: 350,000 Displaced Amid Escalating Conflict

The U.N. refugee agency warns of a rapidly worsening situation in eastern Congo, where around 350,000 people are left homeless due to ongoing conflict. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have captured Goma, causing massive displacement and destruction. The crisis complicates aid efforts amidst rising crime and disease risks.

The United Nations refugee agency expressed alarm over the rapidly worsening conditions in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where conflict has displaced approximately 350,000 individuals. The situation has been exacerbated by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who recently captured Goma, the region's largest city.

Eujin Byun, UNHCR spokesperson, reported from Geneva that 70,000 emergency shelters were destroyed in the areas of Goma and Minova, leaving thousands without safe shelter due to unexploded munitions. The destruction of camps further endangers the health and safety of the displaced population.

In South Kivu, critical humanitarian aid against issues like sexual violence remains largely unreachable due to persistent fighting. The situation is compounded by attacks on displacement camps by militias such as CODECO, amid allegations of Rwanda's involvement with M23, which Rwanda denies.