The Humanitarian Coordinator strongly condemns the deadly attack on humanitarian workers in North Kivu
Bruno Lemarquis, the humanitarian coordinator of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, strongly condemned the brutal attack on humanitarian workers in the village of Kabirangiriro in Kivu on February 5, 2025, This resulted in the death of three employees from NGO Heks/Eper.
On behalf of the humanitarian community, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the deceased, colleagues and their organization Heks/Eper.
Our dedicated humanitarian colleagues were attacked while providing important assistance to vulnerable people affected by conflict in the Rutshru region.
The tragedy not only caused significant harm to the victims and their organizations’ families, but also suspended due to Heks/Eper’s activities in Bambo Healthy Area after the tragedy.
Attacks on humanitarian workers are serious violations of international humanitarian law, and I strongly condemn any violence committed to providing important assistance to the most vulnerable. Despite our continued call for respect for the principles of protecting humanitarian workers, the ongoing escalation of violence in the North and South further makes the lives and work of these participants crucial to the survival of conflict-affected populations.
I encourage all efforts to investigate the situation quickly and comprehensively and to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
I urgently call on all parties involved in the conflict to respect and protect humanitarian workers and to ensure safe and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance.
Distributed by Apo Group on behalf of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
