MSF decries attacks on civilians in northern Katanga

International relief NGO Medecins sans frontieres (MSF) denounced on Thursday what it said was widespread violence against civilians in northern Katanga Province of southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In a statement, MSF teams in Kitenge, northern Katanga, said they were concerned about the fate of 10,000 to 20,000 people who had been displaced by fighting in the area, and whose precise whereabouts could not be determined.

MSF teams were able to assist some 9,000 people in areas south and east of Kitenge town, after having been prevented from doing so for 10 days because of fighting in the area. However, MSF said that areas north of Kitenge remained inaccessible.

"Roads are dangerous and fighting goes on, preventing access to humanitarian aid. According to estimates, the global population of the area is 30,000 people," MSF said. "With Kitenge being virtually depleted of its population, this means that between 10,000 to 20,000 fleeing civilians have been unable to reach accessible villages where medical teams carry out their work."

MSF said it was worried about the living conditions of these civilians, who were weakened or wounded and living in the forest in extremely precarious conditions, without access to medical care.

MSF recalled that since mid-January, people living in and around Kitenge had been targeted by opposing armed Mayi-Mayi militias, who looted, mutilated, raped, and killed civilians.

"More than 50 villages have been emptied, most of them looted, and some burnt," MSF said. "In addition to this violence, civilians fall victim to summary executions and looting by the FAC (Forces Armees Congolaises/Congolese Armed Forces) in some villages."

MSF cited the case of one woman who was shot dead in front of its clinic in Kitenge as she was seeking help.

MSF has been working in Anuarite health centre, in Kitenge, since 2002. MSF mobile clinics have been set up in accessible villages where the displaced, included malnourished children, have sought refuge.

[See earlier IRIN story, "15,000 Kitenge residents flee May-Mayi militia"]