International Committee of the Red Cross Refutes Links to Humanitarian Aircraft Attack in Congo

Synopsis

The International Committee of the Red Cross has denied any involvement in a humanitarian aircraft attack in eastern Congo that resulted in one death. The incident occurred near Kavumu Airport as the organization continues its humanitarian work in the region amidst ongoing conflict.

Key Takeaways

ICRC denies involvement in aircraft attack.
Attack occurred near Kavumu Airport.
One person was killed in the incident.
ICRC emphasizes its humanitarian work in the DRC.
Questions remain about the aircraft’s origin.

Kampala, April 5 (NationPress) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has firmly denied any association with the humanitarian aircraft that was attacked by militants in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), resulting in one fatality.

In a statement issued to Xinhua on Friday, the ICRC emphasized that neither its aircraft nor its personnel were linked to the chartered plane that came under fire while approaching Kavumu Airport in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, on March 27.

"The organization lacks any information regarding this incident and cannot comment on it," the committee stated. "The ICRC continues its humanitarian operations to safeguard and support individuals affected by the armed conflict in the DRC, including those who have sought refuge in neighboring countries."

This declaration followed comments from Chris Magezi, a military spokesperson from Uganda, who mentioned on Monday that the ICRC had engaged the Ocean Heights Aviation Training Center in Uganda to facilitate the evacuation of humanitarian personnel stranded in the conflict-stricken area of South Kivu, as reported by Xinhua.

Magezi noted that the aircraft in question is a Cessna Caravan traveling from Entebbe International Airport in Uganda to Kavumu Airport.

"Reports indicate that one individual aboard the aircraft was shot and later succumbed to their injuries. The Ugandan government is pursuing this matter through appropriate diplomatic channels," Magezi stated, denying any involvement by the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces in the occurrence.

Vianney Luggya, a spokesperson for the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority, remarked that Uganda could not verify the origin of the aircraft.

"We have yet to receive confirmation from our counterparts across the border [DRC]. I am still working to confirm whether the aircraft originated from Uganda," Luggya told Xinhua over the phone.

In February, the March 23 Movement armed group took control of Kavumu Airport, situated approximately 30 km from Bukavu. The airport is a crucial hub for both humanitarian and military flights.