Start date: 20/02/2024
End of operation date: 30/06/2025
TIMETABLE
- October 2023: Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), affiliated militias and M23 rebels have resumed in North Kivu province, in the territories of Masisi, Nyiragongo and Rutsuru.
- October 2023: The Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC Red Cross) coordinates at the national and provincial levels. Meetings were held to support the North Kivu sector in contributing to the humanitarian response to the crisis.
- December 2023: The humanitarian crisis has intensified during this period. The number of internally displaced persons has increased significantly, reaching 1,240,215 as of 15 December 2023. The M23 group has expanded its area of control, leading to increased tensions and displacement dynamics in North Kivu province.
- February 2024: Tens of thousands of people have fled violence in eastern DRC as M23 rebels advance on Goma, the provincial capital. Fresh fighting has displaced an additional 350,000 people from locations around Sake in Goma, raising serious security concerns for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Goma. The DRC Red Cross has put together a response plan with the support of the ICRC, IFRC and National Societies present in the DRC. This was done following a needs assessment carried out in January 2024.
- February 2024: Intensification of Red Cross interventions. CHF 750,000 was allocated from the Disaster Relief Fund (DREF). The IFRC also launched a Federation-wide emergency appeal of CHF 50 million.
- April 3, 2024: A mini-summit was held with the Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the ICRC and the IFRC to strengthen the Movement’s response.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT
In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu, a destructive protracted conflict has been ongoing for almost thirty years, which has seen a significant escalation since 2022. This has increased the complexity of the emergency environment. posing comprehensive challenges to the region. The situation is characterized by the presence of numerous armed actors, a large population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and a significant number of people in need of humanitarian assistance.
Since the conflict began in March 2022, some 1.6 million people have been displaced, according to UN figures. The city of Goma and surrounding areas, particularly in Nyiragongo territory, have experienced multiple waves of displacement, with large numbers of people seeking refuge.
In early 2024, the conflict intensified further, particularly between the armed forces of the DPRK and the armed group M23. This escalation has resulted in devastating consequences for civilians in several towns in North Kivu, including armed conflict and mass displacement. The situation reached a critical point from 28 January to 12 February 2024, with an estimated 135,000 displaced people fleeing Sake to Goma and another 60,000 seeking refuge in South Kivu.
The conflict has come dangerously close to Goma, leading to civilian casualties and overwhelming the city’s health care facilities. In addition, the blockade of the main roads to Goma has disrupted food supplies, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
People in the area live in extremely precarious conditions, without access to basic needs such as clean water, healthcare and food. This has forced many to resort to negative coping mechanisms for survival. Land issues, struggles over access to natural resources, and political or customary power are intertwined with national and/or community rivalries. In addition, the spread of cholera is a significant threat, mainly due to the mass movement of people.
Humanitarian needs are expected to escalate further in the coming weeks and months, while the financial resources available for aid are dwindling.
In addition, challenges such as reduced access and the possible evacuation or relocation of humanitarian organizations may further strain response efforts in the region.
In this context, addressing the immediate needs of the affected population, including health care, food and water, while planning for long-term resilience-building efforts is critical.