UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said Monday that fighting continues to intensify in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly around the localities of Kamanyola, Luvungi and Katogota.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) previously said that fighting among armed groups and restrictions during the second and third quarters of 2025 have severely limited humanitarian access or made it impossible in some places, including the localities of Minembwe and Itombwe, as well as the Hauts Plateaux.
UN humanitarian partners said that more than 200,000 people have been displaced across the province since Dec. 2. More than 70 people have been killed, and more than 80 have been injured since the violence escalated.
"Civilians have also crossed into Burundi to escape the fighting. Shelling was reported in the town of Rugombo, in the province of Cibitoke in north-west Burundi, raising concerns about the conflict spilling over into Burundian territory," the office said.
OCHA said that the food security situation is also deteriorating rapidly. Road blockages have driven up the prices of basic staples. Sugar prices have increased sixfold, and the cost of cassava flour has more than tripled since January.
The National Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons in Burundi is calling for urgent action, particularly in the areas of food, health, and water, sanitation and hygiene.
OCHA urgently called on all parties to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, and to ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Humanitarian access must be guaranteed so that life-saving assistance can reach those in need, the office said. ■