As the conflict in eastern Congo escalates, the humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders is urging the protection of hospitals and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to supply the civilian population with aid. The organization is calling on all conflict parties to “protect” civilians and medical facilities, said the head of Doctors Without Borders in Germany, Christian Kratzer, to the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (Thursday editions).
“We also need unimpeded access to the affected population for humanitarian and life-saving measures” Kratzer said, citing the severe humanitarian needs of the people due to the fighting, which is accompanying the rebel group M24’s advance on the provincial capital of Goma.
Many civilians are among the wounded, with thousands seeking shelter in facilities run by Doctors Without Borders outside of Goma, Kratzer added.