Sporadic clashes threaten Congo aid

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Despite a recent calming of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, banditry threats are causing difficulties in addressing the humanitarian crisis.

Sporadic clashes between the rebel National Congress for the Defense of the People and armed forces from the DR Congo government, along with other rebel violence including alleged acts of banditry on the civilian population, continue to hamper the distribution of aid, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Officials say the humanitarian crisis in DR Congo's eastern North Kivu province and the surrounding region remains a serious concern, the ICRC reported.

"Many families still lack food, water, shelter and other essential items. But for the humanitarian organizations trying to help them, access depends on security conditions on the ground," the release said.