DR CONGO CARE calls for the continued protection of civilians

Thousands still at risk despite recent military victory over one of the main armed groups in the east of the country

DRC, Goma (5 November, 2013): CARE calls for the continued protection of civilians in DRC, and warns that the UN-supported Congolese army’s declared victory today over one of the main armed groups in the east of the country does not mean an end to a ruthless conflict that has been raging on for decades, with thousands still being at risks. Only last week’s violence forced an estimate of 10,000 people to flee to neighbouring Uganda.

“It is a complex situation, and it has been very tense. Despite calls for a ceasefire on Sunday so that peace talks could resume, the fighting continued even yesterday. It is important that civilians are protected, and their safety takes precedence over everything else. Today’s developments – the Congolese army’s declared victory, and the armed group’s statement that it would adopt "purely political means", urging its members to disarm and demobilise – does not mean an end to the conflict. Many other armed groups continue to remain active, and tens of thousands of civilians continue to be at risk in DRC’s conflict-torn and impoverished eastern province,” said Yawo Douvon, CARE DRC’s Country Director.

In neighbouring Uganda, CARE Uganda’s Country Director, James Bot said:

“Many refugees from DRC have already been traumatised by decades of conflict, and this is not the first time they had to flee their homes and fields, and seek refuge elsewhere with little except the clothes on their back. Amongst an estimate of 10,000 people who have fled to Uganda over the past few days, there are many women and children. Some of the children are here alone, having been separated from their parents as families fled in different directions. The refugees find themselves in dire conditions, being forced to take shelter in public buildings such as primary schools near the border. They lack shelter, medical care, food, clean water, and sanitation facilities.”

CARE continues to monitor and assess the situation in DRC and Uganda, and is ready to support both refugees and those who would be returning home in growing numbers if the situation stabilises. Since the 19-month conflict began, some 800,000 people have been forced to flee their homes in search for safety.

Find out more about our work in DR Congo and Uganda.

Media contacts:
For more information and to arrange interviews with CARE staff in Goma, please contact Adel Sarkozi: [email protected], +41 793580713

ABOUT CARE: Founded in 1945, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty and providing lifesaving assistance in emergencies. In 84 countries around the world, CARE places special focus on working alongside poor girls and women because, equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to help lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty. CARE and its local partners implement long-term development programs and humanitarian assistance interventions in the Great Lakes countries (DRC, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi), including programs to prevent sexual and gender-based violence and provide support to survivors.