VIOLENCE WORSENING IN DR CONGO’S ITURI PROVINCE

The United Nations has voiced concern over the deteriorating security situation in Ituri province in north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which is affecting humanitarian agencies ability to deliver assistance to hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people.

According to UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, an estimated 400 civilians have been killed in the region and over 83,000 people fled their homes since 1 January due to the violence.

The UN said 1.9 million people were displaced within Ituri and some three million others were severely food insecure, adding that the violence has forced aid agencies to either delay, suspend or relocate operations.