Relentless attacks on hospitals and civilian refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo are an outrage that demands immediate global condemnation and action.
Development Diaries reports that the Masisi General Referral Hospital in North Kivu province came under attack after it was hit by a rocket and gunshots, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
We understand that health and aid workers in the hospital and other surrounding areas were injured following the attack.
The attack on health and humanitarian facilities counts as a war crime, and as such those responsible should be punished.
‘We strongly condemn this shooting, which once again affected an area that should be protected under international humanitarian law’, MSF’s Head of Programmes in North Kivu, Stephan Goetghebuer, said in a statement.
‘Fortunately, our two colleagues were only slightly injured, but the toll could have been much higher.
‘Thousands of people are still sheltering inside the hospital and the NGOs compounds, trying to protect themselves from the clashes’.
In the past two decades, an unprecedented number of people have been forced to flee their homes due to heavy fighting in North Kivu province between armed groups, including the M23, and the Congolese security forces.
Following the clashes in recent weeks, the March 23 Movement (M23)/The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) has taken control of Masisi centre city and the surrounding area.
Fighting has continued south in the territory, on the border with South Kivu province.
Development Diaries calls on all parties to the conflict to respect and prioritise the safety of civilians, health and aid workers, and critical infrastructures needed for humanitarian assistance in North Kivu and other parts of the country.
The government should also ensure that the attacks on health facilities and aid workers are thoroughly investigated, with those responsible brought to justice.
Photo source: MSF