“The warring groups must cease the attacks on civilians and provide immediate access for humanitarian organizations to provide the necessary support to people in need”, Amar added.
More than 25 people have been killed in the latest rounds of violence in Beni territory erupting last weekend, involving the armed group ADF, the Congolese army and the UN's stabilization mission MONUSCO. Among the dead, there were seven civilians. Many houses have also been burned down.
Volatile
“The situation in the area is very volatile. There have been repeated rounds of violence in the area, and the civilians are paying a heavy price”, said Amar. According to the UN the fighting in the area has resulted in more than 500 civilian deaths since October 2014.
Need access
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has an office in Beni, just half an hour drive away from the areas affected by the recent fighting. However, currently the affected areas are not accessible for NRC and partners, due to the security situation.
"We are ready to provide emergency relief, as soon as the security situation allows us to access the affected areas," Amar said.
NRC will assess the needs, and is ready to deliver food assistance, emergency education and other basic necessities to people affected by the violence.
In total, 1.6 million people are displaced as a result of violence and fighting in Eastern DR Congo, according to UNOCHA.
