Action Against Hunger announces its withdrawal from the health zone of Drodro in Ituri due to security reasons. “ACF has been threatened by all parties to the conflict,” the organization wrote in a statement released on Thursday. Following Médecins Sans Frontières, it is another significant humanitarian actor that has suspended its activities in Drodro within a few weeks.
Similar to Médecins Sans Frontières, Action Against Hunger hopes that this suspension will be as short as possible. However, faced with the security threat, the two organizations had no choice. Humanitarian workers are now being targeted, as evidenced by the attack on March 6th on the referral hospital in Drodro, Ituri, in northeastern DRC.
Critical Needs
Yet, the needs remain very high in this area. The Rhoo displaced camp, located a few kilometers from the locality, receives new displaced persons every day due to violence. In Ituri, it is estimated that over 1.5 million people have had to leave their homes due to the security crisis. These populations are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity and therefore malnutrition.
Multiple Armed Groups
Currently, several armed groups are active in Ituri. These include the ADF, whose attacks are mainly located in the southern part of the province, bordering North Kivu. Other local actors operate in the territories of Mahagi and Djugu, which includes the health zone of Drodro.