On January 19, two MSF staff members were injured by rocket fire near Masisi General Referral hospital, which was also subjected to gunfire amidst clashes in North Kivu, DRC. MSF has called for immediate safety measures to protect health and humanitarian facilities, emphasizing the need for compliance with international humanitarian law to safeguard civilians and aid workers.
On January 19, in North Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo, a disturbing incident occurred as two Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) employees were slightly injured due to a rocket that struck the MSF garage adjacent to the Masisi General Referral hospital. On the same day, another rocket impacted a latrine near the facility, while gunfire also targeted the hospital and the MSF personnel base. This situation demands urgent attention and respect for health and humanitarian operations in conflict zones.
“We strongly condemn this shooting, which once again affected an area that should be protected under international humanitarian law,” stated Stephan Goetghebuer, MSF’s head of programmes in North Kivu. Thankfully, the injuries to the two staff members were minor, but the potential for more severe harm was significant. Thousands are currently seeking refuge within the hospital and NGO facilities due to ongoing clashes.
Goetghebuer reiterated the necessity for immediate actions to ensure the safety of the hospital, humanitarian centers, and the individuals within them. This incident marks the second attack in four days on the Masisi General Referral hospital amid violent confrontations between the M23/AFC and the Congolese army vying for control of the region. Just days earlier, two civilians were shot, resulting in one fatality.
Romain Briey, MSF’s field coordinator in Masisi, expressed deep concern for the safety of patients, health staff, and the displacees within the hospital – primarily women and children. He questioned where these vulnerable populations can find protection if not within the hospital or NGOs.
Briey emphasized the need for all armed parties to minimize risks for civilians, urging that protected infrastructures like hospitals and health centers must not be shelled, nor should armed elements be positioned near these facilities. MSF has been collaborating with the Ministry of Health in Masisi since 2007 to provide critical support to local health services.
The Masisi General Referral hospital serves a vital role in the community by providing medical care to displaced individuals and local residents amidst ongoing armed conflict. The clashes involving the M23/AFC and Congolese army have led to violent outbreaks and unrest, jeopardizing the safety of health facilities and the very civilians seeking refuge within them. Humanitarian laws are designed to safeguard such essential services, yet their protection often fails during active conflicts, as seen in this situation.
The repeated attacks on the Masisi General Referral hospital underscore the urgent need for adherence to international humanitarian laws that protect health facilities. The injuries incurred by MSF staff highlight the risks faced by humanitarian workers in conflict zones. Immediate measures must be implemented to safeguard these essential services and the vulnerable populations that rely on them for safety and medical assistance.
Original Source: www.msf.org
