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Doctors Without Borders announced Sunday that it suspended non – essential work in part of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after armed men removed two of its local staff earlier this month.
The agency, known as French acronym MSF, said it was acting after the Feb. 8 incident in the Masisi health zone, in North Kivu province.
"Concerned about the safety of its teams, Doctors Without Borders has decided to reduce its staff on site," said Francine Kongolo, MSF spokesperson in the DRC.
"The organization will nevertheless continue to provide emergency care at the Masisi main hospital," she added.
"This measure comes after the kidnapping, on February 8, of two local MSF agents by unidentified gunmen," she added.
Cosmas Kangakolo, administrator of the Masisi territory, said that for him, MSF had taken measures to force the local population to better ensure the safety of its staff.
Masisi is located about 100 km northwest of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
Armed groups in this troubled province frequently abduct foreigners and Congolese nationals working for humanitarian organizations.
The eastern DRC, rich in minerals, is torn by armed conflict fueled by ethnic rivalries and territorial conflicts for more than 20 years.
In 1999, MSF won the Nobel Peace Prize for its medical aid in the troubled areas of the world.
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