ICRC sounds alarm over DRC

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KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 25 (UPI) -- Civilians, including children, are bearing the brunt of the escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an official from the ICRC said.

Fighting in DRC has escalated since rebel Gen. Bosco Ntaganda, wanted for war crimes since 2006, waged a mutiny in April. He's suspected of conscripting child soldiers, and some of his associates are tied to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a militant group tied to the Rwanda genocide in 1994.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said the conflict is having "tragic consequences" on the civilian population in the country.

Laetitia Courtois, an ICRC delegate working in the region, said much of the fighting is taking place in remote areas where access is difficult.

"Most of the victims are civilians, some of whom are very young children, elderly people or women," she said in a statement. "The fighting has forced the inhabitants of entire villages to flee, worsening an already precarious situation."

The United Nations said this week peacekeepers are working in the region to protect civilians from fighting tied to Ntaganda's mutiny.

Courtois added the ICRC is working with all parties to the conflict to ensure civilians are protected and aid is available for those in need.