Congo: Statement of the Emergency Relief Coordinator

The Emergency Relief Coordinator remains deeply concerned over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Republic of Congo, which has been exacerbated by the continued denial of access to the Pool region for humanitarian workers.
Since the outbreak of fighting between members of the Ninja militia and government forces on 27 March, and despite repeated requests, humanitarians have been impeded from bringing much-needed food, medicines and shelter materials to some 15,000 internally displaced persons in the Pool region. The Emergency Relief Coordinator underscores the urgent need for safe and unimpeded access to be granted by authorities, in line with international humanitarian law, to safeguard the lives of vulnerable populations.