A staff member from Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières(MSF) has been critically injured after gunshots hit the MSF base in the town of Masisi, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s North Kivu province, on the morning of February 20.
A child who had sought refuge with his family in the MSF compound was also wounded by gunfire. MSF strongly condemns the shootings, which seriously undermine the principle of protecting aid workers and humanitarian facilities in times of conflict.
"This morning, one of our colleagues on duty at the MSF base in Masisi was seriously injured by a bullet—one of many bullets to hit our premises over recent weeks,” said MSF head of programs Stephan Goetghebuer. “Unfortunately, his life is in danger. We strongly condemn this latest episode of violence, which has directly impacted a humanitarian facility that should be protected from gunfire.”
Masisi General Referral Hospital is a refuge amid violence
Since early January, the area in and around Masisi town in southern North Kivu province has been fought over almost daily by VDP/Wazalendo fighters allied with the Congolese army and the M23/Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC). The clashes have led to an influx of wounded people—most of them civilians—at Masisi General Referral Hospital, which is supported by MSF. Thousands of people have sought refuge at the MSF base and the hospital compound.
"On Thursday, intense fighting, including the use of heavy weapons, took place in the town itself, which has been controlled by the M23/AFC since mid-January," said Goetghebuer. "Notably, fighting took place between the MSF base and the market in front of the hospital, where thousands of people have been sheltering for days.”
We speak out. Get updates.
Escalating incidents threaten medical facilities
Since early January, Masisi General Referral Hospital, the MSF base, and the immediate surroundings have been the scene of numerous serious incidents.
On January 16, two civilians were shot in front of Masisi hospital; one was killed. On January 19, the hospital and MSF base came under fire and two MSF staff were injured when a rocket hit MSF’s garage next to the hospital. On January 28, a woman was fatally shot during clashes that took place between MSF’s base and nearby office. On February 16, a Ministry of Health staff member was wounded by a stray bullet that entered the hospital.
"These violent, recurring incidents are unacceptable," said Goetghebuer. "Despite our repeated appeals to the warring parties to protect humanitarian and health facilities, the safety of patients and medical and humanitarian staff is clearly not being taken into account. Humanitarian law is being flouted. This must stop.”
In view of the repeated violent incidents affecting MSF’s work in Masisi, MSF is currently considering how to adapt its activities in the region, where people’s medical and humanitarian needs are massive.
