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Tragic news from eastern Congo as two Tearfund aid workers were killed in an attack on their convoy, highlighting a disturbing trend of violence against humanitarian efforts and local residents in the region.
The incident occurred on Sunday in Butembo city, North Kivu province, amidst ongoing clashes between armed rebels and Congolese security forces. Over 120 armed groups in eastern Congo are involved in frequent attacks, often targeting civilians and aid workers in their pursuit of the region’s valuable resources.
This attack adds to more than 170 security incidents targeting humanitarian workers, resulting in fatalities and abductions, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Congo. Bruno Lemarquis, the humanitarian coordinator for Congo, condemned the violence, stressing the need to protect those providing critical aid amid severe humanitarian crises.
Recent months have seen escalating violence in the province, with clashes intensifying between rebels and security forces. Last week, mortar shelling claimed two lives at a South African military base, part of a peacekeeping mission in the region. Meanwhile, the M23 rebel group, allegedly linked to neighboring Rwanda, continues to seize control of key areas, exacerbating instability in North Kivu province.
The situation remains dire, underscoring the urgent need for concerted efforts to safeguard humanitarian workers and mitigate the suffering of affected communities in eastern Congo.
