The humanitarian crisis in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is fast deteriorating as violence intensifies, forcing tens of thousands to flee to neighboring countries, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported on Friday.
According to the UNHCR, over 40,000 Congolese nationals -- the majority women and children -- have arrived in Burundi since February, seeking international protection.
The UN refugee agency and its partners are scaling up efforts to provide food and shelter to the new arrivals.
At a Security Council meeting on Wednesday, Bintou Keita, Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), highlighted the severe impacts of the March 23 Movement (M23) armed group offensives in North and South Kivu on civilian safety and security.
"The M23 offensives in north Kivu and south Kivu have increased the vulnerability of girls and women to conflict sexual violence. Mass displacement, the influx of combatants and prisoners, and the proliferation of weapons have considerately exacerbated the risks. At the same time, logistical and security constraints continue to hamper the United Nations' ability to verify reported cases," said Keita.
In the midst of troubling news, a sliver of hope has appeared.
According to the DRC Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization has been granted permission to deliver humanitarian supplies to Goma via Kenya and Rwanda.
Traffic on Lake Kivu between Bukavu and Goma, two provincial capitals in the eastern DRC, resumed on Tuesday after weeks of suspension due to clashes in Goma. A ferry arrived in Goma, bringing much-needed supplies.
"It's unbelievable, but the ferry between the two cities is finally operational. We've made it to Goma," said Fabrice Kulimushi, a passenger.
"We are facing many challenges. The situation is very unstable, but luckily, medical staff are still providing treatment in medical facilities," said Alexis Bulonza, a local humanitarian agent.
Bruno Lemarquis, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC, has called for the resumption of humanitarian flights to expedite the delivery of aid to those affected by the conflict.
The ongoing conflict between the M23 and the DRC government is deeply rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and long-standing ethnic tensions between the Tutsi and Hutu communities. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23, while Rwanda alleges that the DRC army has allied with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a rebel group accused of participating in the genocide against the Tutsi.
Humanitarian crisis deepens as violence escalates in DRC
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
