Humanitarian Crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
In a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Tuesday that six humanitarian workers have been killed since the beginning of the year. The most recent victim was shot during violent clashes near a hospital in Masisi Territory, located approximately 80 kilometers west of Goma. These clashes not only claimed the life of the aid worker but also resulted in the deaths of three civilians and left a child injured.
The violence has forced over 100,000 people to flee their homes, particularly in Lubero Territory, which lies 250 kilometers north of Goma. The situation is dire, with local health facilities suspending operations due to the insecurity. OCHA has highlighted a troubling trend of widespread human rights violations amid the fighting, including reports of rape and other forms of violence.
The Impact on Local Communities
As the conflict escalates, the repercussions on local communities are profound. In South Kivu, local officials have reported that schools are gradually reopening in Kalehe Territory, about 65 kilometers north of the provincial capital, Bukavu. However, the threat of unexploded ordnance remains a significant concern, particularly in areas like Minova, where two schools have been affected. The presence of such hazards underscores the challenges faced by communities trying to return to normalcy amidst ongoing violence.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the head of UN Peacekeeping Operations, expressed grave concern over the humanitarian crisis and the loss of life in the DRC during a press conference in Juba, South Sudan. He emphasized that there is no military solution to the crisis, urging for a cessation of hostilities and the implementation of decisions from the Luanda Process. Lacroix acknowledged the limitations faced by the UN Mission in areas controlled by the M23 rebel group but reaffirmed the commitment to protect civilians and reduce violence in other regions.
Health Crisis in Europe and Central Asia
Shifting focus to Europe, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning about a looming health crisis across Europe and Central Asia. The agency reported that healthcare systems in the region are stagnating, with nearly 76,000 children dying before their fifth birthday each year. Non-communicable diseases are also a significant concern, claiming the lives of one in six individuals before they reach the age of 70.
The WHO’s latest European Health Report revealed alarming disparities in under-five mortality rates, which vary from 1.5 to 40.4 deaths per 1,000 live births across 53 countries. The leading causes of death include complications from pre-term births, birth asphyxia, and congenital heart anomalies. Despite progress in addressing non-communicable diseases, conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes continue to be the primary killers in the region.
Food Insecurity in Chad
Meanwhile, in Chad, humanitarian organizations are sounding the alarm about the impending lean season and its impact on food security. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that a regional assessment indicated that approximately 2.4 million people are currently facing food shortages, a number expected to rise to 3.7 million during the lean season from June to August. This alarming statistic represents about 20% of the population.
The situation is particularly dire for children, with over two million under the age of five suffering from malnutrition. Among them, more than half a million are at risk of severe acute malnutrition, which could lead to death without timely intervention. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are also severely affected, with nearly 300,000 experiencing acute malnutrition.
Dujarric attributed the crisis to multiple shocks, including natural disasters like floods that have devastated croplands and the rising costs of basic commodities. Humanitarian agencies are urgently appealing for $1.45 billion to support operations in Chad this year, but as of now, they have received less than $60 million—roughly four percent of the required funding. Without significant financial support before the end of March, the risk of a full-scale food security and nutrition crisis looms large.
