An MSF aid worker, Jerry Muhindo Kavali, died from gunshot wounds in eastern DR Congo due to escalating violence involving Rwandan-backed rebels. His death has led to outrage among humanitarian workers and emphasizes the ongoing dangers they face. The UN Security Council has condemned the violence and urged an end to external support for rebel groups.
An aid worker, Jerry Muhindo Kavali, aged 49, succumbed to gunshot injuries from an attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where there has been an escalation in violence between Rwandan-backed rebels and Congolese forces. Kavali was injured inside the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) office in Masisi, which has recently faced ongoing militia fighting. Despite immediate medical attention in Goma, he passed away from his wounds on Saturday. Colleagues described him as deeply committed to humanitarian efforts, always cheerful despite the circumstances.
Kavali’s death has sparked outrage among humanitarian workers assisting displaced Congolese amid the ongoing conflict. In response to the tragedy, MSF emphasized that “Even war has its rules,” highlighting the need for adherence to humanitarian principles even in complex conflict zones. The Masisi region has experienced intense clashes between military groups and the M23 and Alliance Fleuve Congo rebel factions, complicating the situation further.
MSF’s programs head, Stephan Goetghebuer, reported that Kavali’s shooting is part of a troubling trend, as many bullets have struck their office in recent weeks. The M23, which has gained control over strategic locations like Goma and Bukavu, continues to threaten regional stability amid its military advances. The ongoing conflict dates back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and has persisted for over three decades, indicating deep-rooted issues that have yet to be resolved.
Concerns are rising regarding the impact of this conflict on the broader East African region. The UN Security Council condemned the M23’s actions and urged Rwanda to cease its support for the rebels, demanding that they withdraw from Congolese territory “without preconditions.” The United States has also imposed sanctions on key figures associated with the conflict, indicating international concern and involvement.
The death of MSF aid worker Jerry Muhindo Kavali highlights the grim realities faced by humanitarian organizations in eastern DR Congo amidst escalating conflict with Rwandan-backed rebels. The situation underscores the urgency for international attention and resolution to the violence affecting countless displaced individuals. Continued military engagement and political instability threaten not only Congolese lives but also the broader East African region’s stability.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
