ICRC supports civilians in Ankoro, scene of violent clashes

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently completed what it termed a "vast operation" to help civilians in Ankoro, a town in northern Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that was ravaged by fighting at the end of 2002. Between 21 May and 10 June, ICRC delegates distributed non-food relief items to 6,875 families (some 35,000 people) in Ankoro. Each family received a kit comprising three kilogrammes of soap, three blankets, a bucket, cooking utensils, a hoe and clothing. The local hospital also received basic supplies to support its daily operations. The ICRC said the relief effort was a major logistical challenge as 130 mt of supplies had to be transported first by rail from Lubumbashi to Bukama and then by river from Bukama to Ankoro. Through its office in Malemba Nkulu, the ICRC said it was continuing to keep a close watch on the situation among the people in the upper Lomami area, which has been affected by clashes between various armed groups. The agency said that the situation there remained a cause of humanitarian concern. The ICRC said it was also planning to carry out a needs survey in nearby northern Kabongo. At least 70 people were killed during fighting in November 2002 between government forces and Mayi-Mayi militia in Ankoro, the UN Mission in the DRC, known as MONUC, said in a mid-April report. A joint team from MONUC and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights that visited Ankoro from 7 to 9 April found that the killings followed clashes between the regular army, armed Congolese forces and the Mayi-Mayi. MONUC Chief of Public Information Patricia Tome said the list of victims had been compiled after discussions with the head of the local administration, Mayi-Mayi leaders and family members.