UN Report: All Sides Blocking Aid to 1000s of Trapped Civilians in Congo Conflict

UN Report: All Sides Blocking Aid to 1000s of Trapped Civilians in Congo Conflict A dire humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the highlands of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where all armed groups involved in the conflict are blocking civilian movement and cutting off critical aid, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) [128633]. The situation in South Kivu province has left thousands of civilians trapped, unable to access food, medicine, or safe passage. Warring factions, including the Congolese army, the Twirwaneho militia, and the Nduma Defense of Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) militia, are using roadblocks and violence to control the region [128633]. This has effectively sealed off communities from essential supplies and markets. Civilians report being unable to travel to farm their fields, seek medical care, or flee to safer areas. The restrictions have created a severe shortage of basic necessities, raising fears of starvation and disease [128633]. Humanitarian agencies are facing extreme difficulty in reaching those in need. Aid workers are threatened and access is severely restricted by the armed groups, preventing the delivery of life-saving assistance [128633]. The report calls for immediate action, urging all armed factions to allow free civilian movement and guarantee safe, unhindered access for humanitarian organizations. It also pressures the Congolese government and United Nations peacekeepers to take stronger measures to protect civilians caught in the conflict zone [128633]. All Sides Blocking Aid to Trapped Civilians in Congo Highlands