UNICEF DR Congo Flash Update as of 19 February 2024

ReliefWeb: Updates by Country 20.02.2024 22:11 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached file. Situation Overview The situation around Goma in North Kivu province has rapidly deteriorated over the past two weeks, marked by a significant escalation in violence and security threats. The situation remains highly volatile, with implications for regional stability. Starting in the first week of February, armed clashes between the Congolese Army , and the M23 non-state armed group have been reported in various areas of North Kivu, particularly in Mweso and Katsiru in Masisi territory and most recently towards the city of Sake which lies 25km west of Goma. These clashes, involving the use of heavy artillery, pose considerable risks to civilians and humanitarian workers, and have led to a spike in population displacement with massive movements with towards already overcrowded sites. Humanitarian impact According to OCHA, an additional 135,000 internally displaced people have joined the 500,000 IDPs already present in areas around Goma. Separately, another 60,000 people have moved towards Minova in South Kivu where there has been an influx of 156,000 IDPs in recent months. The majority of the IDPs near Minova are located in an area that is currently accessible only by boat. Overall, 1.6 million people have been displaced since the beginning of this crisis in March 2022, according to IOM data. Reports indicate a rise in the number of civilians wounded and killed in this recent violence over the past 2 weeks. Heavy artillery is positioned near the IDP sites. There is also a significant military presence in and around the camps. These pose both safety and protection risks to IDPs. On 12 February, an explosion was reported in the Zaina displacement camp on the outskirts of Sake, marking the latest in a series of such incidents at sites in the region. Multiple casualties, including children, were reported and numerous injuries. These recent population movements exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation. The overcrowded sites are facing extremely critical conditions regarding water, hygiene, sanitation, shelter, essential household items, child protection and gender-based violence services, and health services – particularly amidst a cholera outbreak. Prior to this influx, the availability of water at the IDP sites stood at 6 litres per person per day and UNICEF is thereby concerned that this will now go below emergency levels. Food shortages in local markets in Goma and an increase in the price of goods is reported. Goma is now entirely encircled, with all major routes controlled by the M23. As a result of the fighting along the Bukavu-Sake axis, trucks have been unable to transport key supplies. Humanitarian access Accessing affected areas, including the IDP sites around Goma, has become increasingly difficult due to ongoing violence and security concerns. Humanitarian access to Minova in South Kivu is hindered by clashes along the Sake-Bweremana axis, the sole humanitarian route from South Kivu to Minova via Goma. This hampers the delivery of life-saving assistance by road, as the area is currently only accessible by boat. Additionally, the proximity of hostilities in Minova has prompted the withdrawal of some humanitarian partners, further complicating the situation. UNICEF’s emergency response In recent days, UNICEF has already further scaled up activities at sites around Goma ) as follows: Rapid response o Mobile clinics deployed at sites through the UniRR rapid response mechanism to provide emergency medical care and nutrition services o Reinforcement of cholera containment and response activities through the CATI teams o Preparations for the distribution of non-food items e.g. tarpaulins, household items etc WASH o More water trucking to ensure an increased supply of safe drinking water o Construction of new latrines to improve sanitation and reduce cholera transmission Child protection o Identification, documentation, care and referral of unaccompanied children and children who have been separated from their families during the displacement Services to prevent and respond to cases of gender-based violence, as well as health, nutrition and education services are being redirected to meet the most urgent needs arising from the recent influx of people.

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