The humanitarian situation in North Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), constitutes a major humanitarian crisis that is worsening day by day due to the incessant armed violence in the region. Recent events in the Lubero territory, particularly in Kikuvo, Kamandi Gite, and other localities, have led to massive population displacement, loss of civilian lives and situations of extreme distress.
Clashes between different armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), have caused a climate of instability and terror among the local populations. Attacks by the ADF in the villages of Mabesiya and Mabuo have caused the death of at least nine civilians, testifying to the brutality of the violence affecting the region.
In response to these events, joint military operations were launched by the FARDC in collaboration with the Ugandan army to counter the influence of the ADF. However, these actions were not enough to stem the flow of violence and population displacement observed in the region.
The humanitarian consequences of this crisis are disastrous, with thousands of people forced to flee their homes and find refuge in precarious conditions. Women, children and the elderly constitute a significant proportion of the displaced, facing urgent needs in terms of shelter, food, drinking water and medical assistance.
In this context of crisis, local education and health infrastructures are seriously impacted, disrupting access to education and health care for displaced populations. Local authorities, such as Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, have expressed concern about the rapid deterioration of living conditions for displaced people and called for an urgent response to strengthen humanitarian response capacities in the region.
The persistence of fighting between the FARDC and rebel groups, as well as the involvement of local and foreign armed groups, underscore the complexity and dangerousness of the situation in eastern DRC. The protection of civilians and the stabilization of the region remain major challenges, requiring concerted and effective action by national authorities and humanitarian actors.
In the face of this ongoing humanitarian crisis, it is essential to redouble efforts to ensure the protection of civilians, facilitate access to humanitarian aid and work towards lasting peace in the North Kivu region. The urgency of the situation requires collective mobilization and international solidarity to meet the needs of the most vulnerable populations and rebuild a safer and more stable future for all.