“Nearly 39,000 displaced people on the Pinga-Mutongo-Nyabiondo axis in Walikale territory, North Kivu, are facing a critical situation as they have still not received the necessary humanitarian assistance. Armed violence in the region has forced these displaced people to flee in search of safety, but their access to basic needs such as food, medical care and shelter remains extremely limited.
Since 20 October, the situation has worsened, with armed clashes resulting in the death of at least 34 civilians and the injury of hundreds more, according to United Nations data. The consequences of this violence have resulted in massive displacement, affecting more than 34,000 people in the Walikale region.
In this context of humanitarian crisis, health needs are particularly worrying. The Pinga general referral hospital, crucial for providing emergency care, is facing a critical shortage of essential medical supplies, significantly hampering the humanitarian response in the region.
The United Nations has expressed its deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and the increase in attacks on IDP sites. Reports indicate that more than 100 attacks were reported between June and October in the areas of Goma, Nyiragongo and Masisi, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 IDPs. These attacks include acts of violence such as killings, armed assaults, sexual violence, forced labour, extortion and looting, mainly affecting women, children and the most vulnerable.
Despite these challenges, humanitarian organisations continue their efforts to provide life-saving assistance, including food, drinking water and health care to more than 650,000 IDPs around Goma. However, the continued presence of armed groups in the vicinity of IDP sites complicates access and distribution of humanitarian aid.
In the face of this continuing crisis, the United Nations has called on the Congolese authorities to strengthen security measures around IDP sites to ensure their protection and allow humanitarian workers to operate in safe conditions.
The lack of assistance on the Pinga-Mutongo-Nyabiondo axis highlights the major humanitarian challenges facing North Kivu, in a context of protracted violence and massive displacement. It is becoming imperative for the international community and local authorities to redouble their efforts to respond to the urgent needs of these vulnerable populations, in order to offer them the protection and assistance they desperately need.”