Civilians majority of victims in Eastern Congo

In the Congo, fighting between the military and various militias is continuing in the eastern Kivu provinces. The violence has forced the inhabitants of entire villages to flee, worsening an already precarious humanitarian situation. The International Committee for the Red Cross said on Friday it is concerned about the rising number of civilian victims, and is calling on all parties to spare the civilian population.

"Most of the victims are civilians, some of whom are very young children, elderly people or women. The fighting has forced the inhabitants of entire villages to flee, worsening an already precarious situation. It is essential that people not taking part in the hostilities be spared," said Laetitia Courtois, the head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Bukavu, South Kivu. "The fighting often takes place in very remote areas, making it difficult for us to reach the victims. Our dialogue with all parties to the conflict is continuing so that we will be able to bring aid to the people who need it."

Listen to the full interview by Charles Collins with ICRC Kinshasa spokesperson Krista Armstrong: