KINSHASA, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Ongoing armed violence in North Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) displaced more than 130,000 people in May, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said Tuesday.
According to OCHA's latest monthly report, Rutshuru, Lubero, Masisi, Beni, and Walikale territories remain the focal points of clashes between armed groups, significantly worsening the humanitarian situation in the region.
The report cited multiple civilian casualties, widespread destruction of critical infrastructure, and the suspension of healthcare services affecting thousands of people, observing that humanitarian access remains "severely restricted in many areas."
Despite efforts by aid organizations, urgent needs in shelter, sanitation, and civilian protection remain unmet. More than 4.19 million people in the province are currently facing acute food insecurity, according to the OCHA.
Since January, security conditions in eastern DRC have sharply deteriorated, driven by a resurgence in fighting involving the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group.
The M23 has seized several strategic towns, including Goma and Bukavu, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians and deepening an already dire humanitarian crisis. ■
