“We are observing a massive influx of wounded”: in Goma, the humanitarian situation is critical
In the DRC, the intensification of fighting in the east of the country in recent days has caused a worsening of the humanitarian situation in the province of North Kivu. Tens of thousands of civilians fled the fighting around Saké towards Goma, the provincial capital. In this city, the needs are considerable, explain the various humanitarian organizations.
Congolese residents flee M23 attacks on October 26, 2023. © Alexis Huguet, AFP
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According to the High Commission for Refugees, 135,000 people fled Saké, in the
DRC
, in one week to take refuge in Goma. Thus, civilians are crowded into already overcrowded churches, schools and displaced persons camps, in very difficult conditions.
“
In general, they are women and children but sometimes they are children alone
,” explains Stephen Goetghebuer, head of the Doctors Without Borders mission in Goma. “
Sometimes, these are children who live in a group whose head of household is a young girl of 12/14 years old who takes care of her brothers and sisters
,” he comments. And added: “
The conditions of security, access to water, latrines but also to food and health are extremely precarious. In the structures supported by MSF, we treat on average 60 cases of sexual violence per day
.”
Also read: Fighting in eastern DRC: why control of the town of Sake is strategic
These displaced persons camps, located on the western and northern outskirts of the city, remain very exposed to fighting. Wounded civilians therefore continue to arrive, according to Nagham Awada, ICRC spokesperson in Goma. “
We receive around 30 injured people per day every day. There is an increase in the number of civilians, also many of these people were injured in their escape by gunfire or also in the displaced people's site where they had taken refuge by shell fire which fell on the site
,” she adds.
We observed a massive influx of injured people on a daily basis.
00:55
Nagham Awada, spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross
Alexandra Brangeon
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, 10 civilians, including 5 children, died in one week while fleeing the fighting.
Sake, strategic crossroads in North Kivu. © FMM Graphic Studio
Also read Eastern DRC: two South African soldiers killed on mission
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