Thousands flee clashes in DR Congo's South Kivu province

Renewed fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has displaced at least 6,000 people and severely restricted humanitarian access, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Monday.

Since clashes erupted on July 4, heavy fighting, including reported drone attacks, in the South Kivu territories of Fizi, Mwenga and Uvira has reportedly killed at least five civilians and injured dozens more. The violence has disrupted supply routes, caused critical shortages of medical supplies and delayed humanitarian assessments in areas already hosting more than 200,000 displaced people.

OCHA said at least 6,000 people have fled to Kipupu and Malanda in Mwenga territory, while efforts are continuing to verify additional displacement.

The deteriorating security situation comes as the DRC continues to battle an Ebola outbreak. Health authorities have reported 1,561 confirmed cases across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with Ituri remaining the epicentre.

Aid agencies have warned that overcrowded displacement sites and inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene services are increasing the risk of disease transmission, further complicating the humanitarian response.

Humanitarian partners said funding shortages continue to hamper the response. The UN's humanitarian appeal for the DRC is 54 percent funded, with $752 million received of the $1.4 billion required.

The agency urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, rapid and unhindered humanitarian access.