Democratic Republic of the Congo: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu – Scale up Response Report (Reporting period July – November 2023) – Democratic Republic of the Congo

HIGHLIGHTS

The humanitarian situation in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri provinces remained concerning, with an increase in the number of displaced persons due to the resumption of conflict and the deterioration of the security and humanitarian situation in several areas in eastern DRC. November was marked by an increase in attacks and killings of civilians and the theft of agricultural products from fields, particularly in the territories of Beni in North Kivu and Mahagi, Irumu, Mambassa and Djugu in Ituri. 　

In North Kivu, armed clashes have triggered population movements of an estimated 160,000 people in November in the health zone of Minova, in the territory of Kaleh on the axis Sake-Bweremana, and in Masisi and Walikale territory. Since October, almost 560,000 population movements have been registered in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru, Lubero, Beni and Walikale. Protection actors have reported that some 59 civilians have been killed in recurrent attacks by armed group in Oicha-Mutwanga-Kamango health zone in the north and south-east of Beni territory. The province is also grappling with a surge in cholera cases in IDP sites around Goma city and in Nyiragongo territory. 　

In South Kivu, some 37,770 people have been newly displaced in the territories of Fizi, Shabunda, Kalehe and Uvira because of violent clashes between various armed groups. Recent clashes between the FARDC and the M23 have led to additional population movements towards Minova. In Kalehe territory, six women, including two minors, were raped by armed men, and in Uvira territory, attacks on civilians are on the rise. In Fizi territory, torrential rains have left 10,000 people homeless. The province is also facing an epidemic of cholera (particularly in the Kitutu, Katana, Lemera, Ruzizi, Minova, and Idjwi health zones) and monkeypox (in the Kamituga health zone). 　

In Ituri province, almost 13,300 people were newly displaced following attacks by armed groups. In addition, 13 children were injured by an explosive device in Aru territory. A village in Djugu territory, where returnees had previously been registered, was burnt down. Protection actors reported 15 deaths due to natural disasters, including five children struck by lightning in their classroom and ten people who drowned in Lake Albert. 　

By 30 November, 5.59 million internally displaced people were registered in the three provinces, including 2.41 million in North Kivu, 1.68 million in Ituri and 1.5 million in South Kivu. Women make up about 51 per cent of the displaced population. More than 85 per cent of these displacements are the result of armed attacks and clashes. Humanitarian actors are determined to provide multi-sectoral assistance to vulnerable populations. In November, partners reached around 1.28 million beneficiaries. Since July, a total of 3.73 million beneficiaries or 73.8 per cent of the target population in the three provinces received assistance. The lack of funding has forced many humanitarian partners to decrease and partially suspend their activities. Several cluster partners have indicated that they do not have funding beyond December 2023.