UPDATE: situation in Walikale, North Kivu, DRC

This Thursday, March 20, the situation in Walikale-Centre, in North Kivu, remains tense despite a lull observed since this morning, allowing MSF teams on site to move around town and assess medical and humanitarian needs.

Yesterday, the fighting between the FARDC and the M23/AFC, and their respective allies, reached the town centre. Although MSF was not directly targeted, crossfire hit our base, impacting our structures and some of our vehicles.

In addition to the gunfire, two massive explosions also took place near the town's general hospital, where medical staff from the Ministry of Health continue to assist around sixty patients.

Insecurity in the Walikale region has created a climate of fear. In recent days, the town has been emptied of many of its inhabitants by hearing artillery fire in the vicinity.

MSF once again reminds the warring parties to protect civilians, medical facilities and health workers, as well as humanitarian organisations.

 

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