UK charity convoy attacked in DR Congo conflict zone

July 2, 2024 21

A convoy of a UK charity organization was attacked by angry youths in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo as it was heading to deliver aid to displaced people in a conflict zone. Local authorities say 5 vehicles belonging to the charity known as Tearfund were burnt and two people were killed in the attack in North Kivu province.

The North Kivu province has been racked by violence since 2021 when the M23 resumed its armed campaign in the region. The charity said their vehicles were burnt and destroyed in the attack.

Five vehicles, carrying around 15 people, all of Congolese nationality, were set on fire, according to a humanitarian source. Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian coordinator for DR Congo condemned the attack on Tuesday.

Reuters further reports that many armed groups compete for influence and resources in mineral-rich North Kivu, which has also been battling an insurgency for more than two years that has deepened its long-running humanitarian crisis with over 2.7 million displaced within the province.

Written by: Tonata Kadhila

Armed Groups Conflict Zone DRC Crisis Humanitarian Aid Humanitarian Crisis M23 Rebels North Kivu Tearfund Attack United Nations