FROM THE FIELD
Merlin has moved some of its team working in conflict-affected areas of DRC’s North Kivu Province into neighbouring Rwanda following heavy fighting between Tutsi rebels and government forces.Rebel soldiers led by CNDP leader Laurent Nkunda have gathered outside the city of Goma, where Merlin has its operational centre. Up to an estimated 150,000 civilians have fled fighting across the Province since Sunday amid reports of looting and gunfire.Key Merlin personnel remain in Goma to monitor events and launch an assessment of humanitarian needs as soon as the security situation allows.Oliver Behn, Regional Programme Manager for Merlin comments:"Security is a priority for Merlin. Essential staff remain in Goma with the capacity to provide a humanitarian response to vulnerable people, if access and security allow. However we have taken the decision to move some of the team to safety in a nearby town in Rwanda. Access is currently severely restricted but it is absolutely vital to prevent further loss of life."
Read more about our
work in DR Congo Help us save more lives:
Please donate now
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
