Massive population displacements in North Kivu: an alarming humanitarian crisis
Over the past six months, nearly 600,000 people have moved following clashes between armed belligerents in different regions of North Kivu. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) sounded the alarm in a statement issued last Thursday, highlighting the worsening humanitarian needs for both displaced people and host communities.
According to the ICRC, the growing insecurity is also making it more difficult to deliver aid to the most affected areas. The United Nations notes that only 18% of people displaced in North Kivu over the past six months live in sites and collective centers provided for this purpose, while 82% are staying with host families.
A concrete example of this precarious situation can be found in Oïcha, a rural commune located north of the city of Beni. With a population of 360,000, the region has for a decade been the scene of violence caused by local armed groups, attacks attributed to the ADF and joint military operations. According to the Oicha Displaced Persons Committee, the number of displaced persons in this commune alone is estimated at 165,000. The collective centers planned to accommodate 5,700 people are already saturated, with 7,200 people accommodated.
The situation is all the more worrying as fighting between the M23 and other armed groups has led to the displacement of more than 78,000 people in the past two months alone. Humanitarian actors face major challenges, including a lack of funding and access.
In this context, Anne-Sylvie Linder, head of the ICRC sub-delegation in Goma, stresses the importance of continued donor support for humanitarian activities in the region. It is crucial that the various organizations present on the ground can receive the necessary resources to respond to the needs of displaced populations and host communities.
The situation in North Kivu is alarming and requires urgent and concerted action. Humanitarian needs are growing, but resources and access remain limited. It is imperative that the international community mobilize to provide effective aid and support the populations affected by this crisis