SITUATION OVERVIEW
For nearly two years, the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), namely North Kivu, has been facing a devastating conflict that has intensified and become more complex over time, with the potential to reach unprecedented levels in this strategically located province. This crisis is characterized by a multitude of armed actors in conflict, a large, displaced population, and an even larger population in need of humanitarian assistance. For several months now, the situation has alternated between conflict and brief periods of calm.
In total, 1.6 million people have been displaced since the beginning of this crisis in March 2022, according to IOM data. The city of Goma and outlying villages in Nyiragongo territory continued to receive large numbers of displaced people in several waves.
Since the beginning of 2024, the intensification of the conflict between the armed forces of the DRC against the armed group M23 has had a devastating effect on the civilian population in several cities in North Kivu. Armed clashes have been reported in several areas, particularly in Mweso and Katsiru in Masisi territory and more recently towards the town of Sake located 25 kilometers west of Goma. These conflicts led to a sharp population spike with mass movements to already overcrowded locations.
The escalation peaked from 28 January to 12 February 2024 in Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo districts. About 135,000 IDPs left Sake last week for Goma, the capital of North Kivu, with an additional 60,000 in South Kivu (namely Minova). Goma has more than two million residents, with at least 500,000 displaced.
The situation is even more alarming as the fighting moves ever closer to the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu. The use of heavy artillery and shelling has killed dozens, and hospitals in Goma are struggling to cope with the influx of wounded civilians. It is reported that the two main roads leading to Goma have been blocked, disrupting food supplies.
A needs assessment conducted by the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC Red Cross) in December revealed that people are living in extremely precarious conditions, packed into family homes or camps. They are already at breaking point – mentally, physically and financially. Most of the aid provided by humanitarian organizations goes to people in camps on the outskirts of Goma, but a lack of funding and the scale of people’s needs means it is inadequate.
According to the assessment, both the displaced and host communities are struggling to meet their most basic needs, including access to clean water and healthcare. People increasingly adopt negative coping mechanisms to survive, such as stealing and prostitution. Nutrition and health care are also considered priorities. Goma faces additional challenges due to the spread of a cholera epidemic. The mass displacement of people in North Kivu as a result of the war and its aftermath remains the main cause of the spread of cholera. The response from the government and partners remains insufficient.
The city’s health care infrastructure is already stretched, and the crisis is exacerbating the difficulties in managing the outbreak.
Humanitarian needs are expected to increase significantly in the coming weeks and months, while the capacity of humanitarian organizations may face challenges due to reduced access, possible evacuation or relocations.
While humanitarian needs are expected to continue to increase in 2024, financial resources mobilized in the country are declining