According to the two United Nations organizations, "the explosions at the aforementioned civilian sites occurred in the morning, causing the death of at least 12 displaced persons and injuring at least 30 others, mainly women and children. Material damage was also inflicted on shelters and other humanitarian structures," according to their statement.

"We unequivocally condemn this shocking, ruthless and despicable act of violence that has taken the lives of children, displaced persons, and their hosts in the most cruel way possible," stated Angèle Dikongué-Atangana, the UNHCR representative in the DRC.

"The UNHCR calls for all parties to end this senseless violence and to respect the sacredness of protected humanitarian sites. We also echo the calls made by the displaced families themselves for the urgent return of peace in the eastern DRC," pleaded Angèle Dikongué-Atangana.

"The civilian population of North Kivu province has witnessed the worst humanitarian violations for more than two years in bloody attacks," reads this statement released on Friday, May 3, with the UNHCR calling on "all parties to put an end to this senseless violence and to respect the sanctity of protected humanitarian sites. We also echo the calls made by the displaced families themselves for the urgent return of peace in the eastern DRC."

This tragedy also resulted in the interruption of the work of humanitarians on this site; those same individuals who provided assistance to people forced to flee when the bombs fell. It is estimated that 210,000 people have been affected in these areas.

For his part, Grant Leaity, the UNICEF Representative in the DRC, stated that "this unnecessary tragedy is the result of fighting moving closer to densely populated areas with children and their families. We demand that all military positions be immediately and permanently moved away from civilian areas and that a peaceful solution be found to end this conflict."

According to the same statement, UNHCR and UNICEF stand in solidarity with the affected communities and reaffirm their commitment to peace and security. Meanwhile, the FARDC and M23 are blaming each other for these deadly attacks.

Gisèle Mbuyi