Butembo,DRC – An harrowing attack on Sunday evening, on a humanitarian convoy in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has left tragic deaths of two individuals. The incident occurred near Butembo, in the volatile North Kivu province, where clashes between the national army and M23 rebels have escalated.
Bruno Lemarquis, the UN humanitarian coordinator for the region, condemned the assault in a press release issued on Tuesday. “This attack is part of an extremely worrying context of violence in the province of North Kivu, which endangers the work and lives of humanitarian workers,” Lemarquis stated, highlighting the perilous environment in which aid agencies are operating.
The Britain-based non-governmental organization Tearfund announced on Monday that two of its staff members are missing following the attack. Tearfund revealed that their vehicles were burned and destroyed in the ambush, leaving the fate of the missing personnel uncertain.
“We urge all parties to respect and protect aid workers, ensuring their safety as they carry out their vital mission,” Tearfund emphasized in their plea for the safety of humanitarian workers.
According to a humanitarian source, the convoy consisted of five vehicles transporting around fifteen people, all of whom were Congolese nationals. The assailants set the vehicles ablaze, causing significant destruction and chaos. The attack not only claimed lives but also disrupted the crucial humanitarian efforts in the region.
This latest incident underscores the growing insecurity in North Kivu, a province that has long been plagued by violence and instability. The M23 rebels, a notorious armed group, have been active in the area, engaging in fierce battles with the Congolese army. The resurgence of hostilities has led to a spike in violence, displacing thousands of civilians and hampering humanitarian operations.
The international community has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in North Kivu. Humanitarian organizations operating in the region have faced increasing risks, with aid workers often targeted by armed groups. The UN and other global bodies have repeatedly called for the protection of humanitarian personnel and the safe passage of aid convoys.
As the conflict rages on, the need for humanitarian assistance in North Kivu remains critical. Aid agencies are working tirelessly to provide relief to affected communities, despite the dangerous conditions. The attack on the convoy near Butembo serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by those striving to deliver aid in conflict zones.
In the wake of this tragic incident, there are renewed calls for a concerted effort to address the root causes of violence in the region and to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian workers who risk their lives to help those in need.
