Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa | Population Movement – Operational Strategy (MDRCD043) – Democratic Republic of the Congo

Operation Start date: 20/02/2024
Operation End date: 30/06/2025

TIMELINE

• October 2023: Clashes between the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC), affiliated militias, and M23 rebels resumed in the province of North Kivu, in the territories of Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Rutshuru.
• October 2023: The Democratic Republic of Congo Red Cross Society (DRC Red Cross) has been coordinating at the national and provincial levels. Meetings held to support the North Kivu branch in contributing to the humanitarian response to the crisis.
• December 2023: The humanitarian crisis has intensified over this period. The number of internally displaced people has risen significantly, reaching 1,240,215 on 15 December 2023. The M23 group has extended 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 the east of the DRC as M23 rebels advanced towards Goma, the provincial capital. New fighting has displaced an additional 350,000 people from localities around Sake to Goma, raising major security concerns for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Goma. The DRC Red Cross drew up a response plan with the support of the ICRC, the IFRC and the 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 by the Disaster Emergency Response Fund (DREF). A Federation-wide Emergency Appeal of CHF 50 million was also launched by the IFRC.
• April 3, 2024: A mini summit with The Democratic Republic of Congo Red Cross Society, ICRC and the IFRC was held to strengthen the Movement response.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EVENT

In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu, a devastating protracted conflict has been ongoing for nearly thirty years, which has seen a considerable escalation since 2022. This has increased the complexity of the emergency environment, posing comprehensive challenges within the region. The situation is characterised 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, approximately 1.6 million people have been displaced according to UN data. The city of Goma and the surrounding areas, notably 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 DRC and the M23 armed group. This escalation has resulted in devastating consequences for civilians in various towns within North Kivu, including armed clashes and mass displacement. The situation reached a critical point from 28 January to 12 February 2024, with approximately 135,000 IDPs fleeing from Sake to Goma, and an additional 60,000 seeking refuge in South Kivu.

The conflict has reached dangerously close to Goma, leading to civilian casualties, and overwhelming the city’s healthcare facilities. Moreover, the blockade of main roads into Goma has disrupted food supplies, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

People in the region are living in extremely precarious conditions, lacking access to basic necessities such as clean water, healthcare, and food. This has forced many to resort to negative coping mechanisms for survival. Land issues, struggles for access to natural resources and political or customary power are intertwined with ethnic and/or community rivalries. Additionally, the spread of cholera poses a significant threat, primarily due to the mass displacement of people.

The humanitarian needs are expected to escalate further in the coming weeks and months, while the financial resources available for aid are diminishing.

Furthermore, challenges such as reduced access and possible evacuation or relocations of humanitarian organisations may further strain the response efforts in the region.
In this context, addressing the immediate needs of the affected population, including healthcare, food, and water, while also planning for long-term resilience-building efforts, is critical.