New attacks in eastern DRC kill at least 24, displace communities and complicate Ebola response

The United Nations said humanitarian colleagues reported an armed attack in Beni territory, North Kivu, on the night of June 2 that reportedly killed at least 24 civilians and triggered fresh displacement, according to local authorities. The briefing said heavy clashes on June 3 in Masisi territory and hostilities in South Kivu’s Fizi and Wenga territories — where the use of drones was reported — have caused additional displacement and constrained humanitarian access.

The U.N. noted that persistent insecurity in the area has cut off some 165,000 people from regular assistance over the past two years and that renewed violence has compelled humanitarian organizations to restrict movement in several areas, further limiting access to affected populations.

The briefing also noted that the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, together with the World Health Organization, launched a joint continental preparedness and response plan for the ongoing Ebola outbreak that aims to raise $518 million to support countries with preparedness, detection and response measures over the next six months through November.