Escalating clashes in eastern DRC complicate Ebola response as cases rise

Humanitarian colleagues reported escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo that has forced hundreds of families to flee and disrupted essential services, including health care and schools, the U.N. spokesperson said.

On June 13, local authorities reported at least three civilians killed and five injured during shelling in the towns of Munda and Boheima, and clashes in the territories of Walikale and Masisi forced displacement, the briefing said. In parts of South Kivu the U.N. noted air strikes, shelling and gunfire that continued to impede humanitarian access.

Health authorities reported 21 new confirmed Ebola cases as of June 14, bringing the total to 88 across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. The U.N. and partners said they remain ready to respond but are constrained by poor access; they emphasized surveillance, patient care, prevention, risk communication and safe burials as priorities.