Surging Violence Drives Thousands of Congolese from Their Homes to the So-Called “Triangle of Death”
Attacks by armed groups in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s eastern Beni region is forcing families from their lands in the so-called “triangle of death.”
Since October 2017, intense conflict has left populations living in a state of siege, with reports of increased human rights violations and restricted humanitarian access. It is estimated that half a million people have been driven from their homes in the province since January alone.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today warned of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Beni Territory – which has a population of 1.3 million people. Conditions have been aggravated by an outbreak of the Ebola virus, which has killed dozens of people in recent weeks.
“The civilian population has been caught for months in an armed conflict that shows no signs of letting up.”
“UNHCR is extremely worried about the situation in and around Beni, where the civilian population has been caught for months in an armed conflict that shows no signs of letting up,” said Marie-Hélène Verney, UNHCR’s Head of sub-office in Goma, North Kivu.
Verney added that UNHCR is doing everything possible to work with host communities, the displaced and local authorities, to find solutions for the crisis.
Among the recently displaced is Emeria, who fled her home town of Makembi after armed groups attacked. Now living in precarious conditions, she recalls simpler days living in the forest which has sustained her community for centuries.
“We were never hungry, we could eat anything we wanted and we had our fields,” she said. “But now we don’t dare return, it is too dangerous. The enemy is living there.”
Some seeking safety in Beni live in schools and other public buildings, while others have been taken in by host families. Among them is that of Gabriel, 43, who was himself displaced twice before settling in Beni’s Madiabuana area with his wife and children.
They now host eight displaced families. Despite the insecurity, they risk their lives going to the fields in search of food.
“Finding food is the biggest challenge for us so I go to the fields nearby only when it’s safe,” he said. “I went this morning but I heard gunshots and fled.”
Like others swept up in the violence, he longs for peace.
“In this war, I can’t really have any hope,” said Gabriel. “The only thing we need is peace, nothing else.”
Your support is urgently needed to help the children, women and men uprooted by conflict in DRC. Please give now.
*SOURCE:
Natalia Micevic’s article was published in UNHCR – UN Refugee Agency. Go to ORIGINAL. 2018 Human Wrongs Watch
Source: https://human-wrongs-watch.net/2018/08/26/surging-violence-drives-thousands-of-congolese-from-their-homes-to-the-so-called-triangle-of-death/
