DRC displacement camp attack kills 46, incl. 23 children
At least 46 killed, including 23 children, in DRC displacement camp attack , writes Winston Mwale.
Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of Congo— At least 46 civilians were killed, including 23 children, in an attack on a displacement camp in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday, according to local officials and humanitarian organisations, writes Winston Mwale.
The attack took place in the Lala displacement camp, located in Djugu territory, Ituri province.
The camp houses over 10,000 people who have been displaced by conflict in the region.
The attackers, who have not been identified, reportedly entered the camp late Sunday night and opened fire on civilians.
The violence continued for several hours before the attackers fled.
The death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered. Many of the injured are in critical condition.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in the northeastern DRC, where armed groups have been fighting for control of the region's mineral resources.
The conflict has displaced millions of people and created a humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations has condemned the attack and called for an investigation.
Save the Children, a humanitarian organisation that works in the DRC has called for increased aid to the region. The organization said that the attack has left many children orphaned and traumatized.
"This is a horrific tragedy," said Cecilia Thiam, Save the Children's Humanitarian Director in the DRC.
"The children who witnessed this attack have been exposed to unimaginable horrors. They will need our help to recover from this trauma."
Save the Children is providing food, water, shelter, and medical care to those affected by the attack.
The organization is also working to reunite children with their families.
The conflict in northeastern DRC is a complex and protracted conflict. There is no easy solution. However, the international community must do more to help the people of the region.
They must provide humanitarian aid, support peacebuilding efforts, and hold those responsible for the violence accountable.