Two MSF workers were injured by a rocket strike near Masisi General Referral Hospital in North Kivu, DRC, highlighting the dangers healthcare facilities face amidst ongoing conflict. MSF condemned the violence and called for improved protection measures for humanitarian establishments. This incident is part of recurring threats against the hospital as fighting intensifies between armed factions in the region.
On January 19, two staff members from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) were injured when a rocket struck their garage adjacent to Masisi General Referral Hospital in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. On the same day, another rocket hit a latrine nearby, and gunfire affected both the hospital and the MSF staff base. This situation underscores the urgent need for the protection of health and humanitarian facilities during conflict.
Stephan Goetghebuer, the head of MSF’s programs in North Kivu, condemned the violence and emphasized that hospitals should be safe havens under international humanitarian law. Thankfully, the injuries sustained by the MSF staff were minor, yet the potential for serious harm remains pronounced. In light of these events, Goetghebuer called for immediate measures to safeguard the hospital and its inhabitants.
As clashes between M23/AFC forces and the Congolese army persist, this incident marks the second attack on the Masisi hospital within a four-day span. Previously on January 16, gunfire outside the hospital resulted in two civilian casualties, including one fatality. Romain Briey, MSF’s field coordinator in Masisi, expressed deep concerns for the safety of patients, staff, and displaced individuals seeking refuge within the hospital premises.
Briey urged warring parties to undertake all possible measures to protect civilian lives and reiterated that humanitarian infrastructure, including hospitals, must not be subjected to violence. He stressed that armed factions should avoid any engagement near these critical facilities. MSF has been providing assistance in Masisi since 2007, including support for the hospital and surrounding health centers.
The ongoing conflict in North Kivu, DRC, remains a significant humanitarian crisis, where health facilities such as Masisi General Referral Hospital are often caught in the crossfire. Instances of violence against medical personnel and infrastructure highlight the vulnerabilities faced by healthcare providers and the populations they serve. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has been a steadfast presence in Masisi, offering essential support in a region afflicted by conflict since 2007.
The repeated violence in and around Masisi General Referral Hospital reveals the precarious situation for humanitarian operations in conflict zones. Calls for protection of healthcare facilities are critical, as many civilians, including vulnerable groups, rely on these centers for safety during conflicts. The international community must hold warring factions accountable for respecting humanitarian laws that safeguard medical facilities and personnel.
Original Source: www.msf.org
