Warring parties urged to allow aid, displaced people’s return in eastern DR Congo

- M23 rebels seize control of another airport in eastern province of South Kivu

ISTANBUL

Warring factions in the conflict-ravaged eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have been urged to allow the provision of urgent aid and the return of displaced people.

Thierry Allafort-Duverger, head of Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Goma, North Kivu province, said this week that many camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) had “largely emptied” as people were forced to leave with “the little they have” and uncertain of “what awaits them there.”

Since Jan. 26, more than 3,000 people have been killed, 2,880 injured, and over 500,000 displaced following an offensive by M23 rebels against the Congolese government in Goma, which hosts nearly a million displaced people.

The latest offensive has forced thousands more to flee, with many seeking refuge in neighboring Rwanda. According to the UN, there are nearly 6.4 million IDPs in Congo.

"It is crucial that these movements are voluntary and that the reception conditions in their areas of origin are secure," Allafort-Duverger said Thursday.

MSF is "particularly concerned" over limited medical access in areas where displaced people have sought refuge, as many health facilities have been rendered nonfunctional by the ongoing conflict.

In a separate statement, UNICEF expressed deep concern about the increasing exposure of children to sexual violence, abduction, and recruitment in eastern Congo.

Catherine Russell, UNICEF executive director, urged an immediate halt to violations of children's rights, stating: "Humanitarian partners must have safe, unimpeded access to reach all children and families in need — wherever they may be."

The M23 rebels on Friday claimed capture of Kavumu airport, which is about 25 kilometers (over 15 miles) from the provincial capital Bukavu, in the eastern province of South Kivu.

The rebel spokesman said on X that Kavumu and its surroundings, including Kavumu airport, were under rebel control. Kinshasa was yet to react to the claims.

The M23 rebels currently claim control of Goma with their own administration in the city.

Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels and deploying forces to the eastern Congo when the recent offensive began, though Kigali has repeatedly denied these allegations.