DR Congo: Humanitarian emergency in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu : A worsening crisis in 2024

ReliefWeb: Updates by Country 27.02.2024 17:10 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: World Food Programme Please refer to the attached file. Context Since the end of 2023, intensified conflict has dominated the lives of people in eastern Congo. The violence continues to force families from their homes and as the conflicts continue, it is unclear when they will be able to return. The loss of income, harvest and livelihoods will weigh heavy on their food security throughout 2024. The conflict between the March 23 Movement and the Congolese armed forces and its allies in North Kivu has escalated dramatically. Approximately 1.7 million people are displaced by the M23 crisis alone in North Kivu , 200,000 more than at the end of January 2024.1 Many have sought safety and shelter in Goma, the provincial capital. In September 2023, North Kivu was already estimated to host 2.3 million people affected by the M23 and the Allied Democratic Forces conflict in northern North Kivu.2 Unless the fighting stops, the reality will become much more grave and food assistance needs will grow. South Kivu is experiencing increasing insecurity as the M23 conflict spills over into the province. Additionally, the withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission in early 2024 may have further impact on insecurity. Fizi territory also saw increased intercommunity tensions in 2023. Overall, 1.6 million people were already estimated to be displaced in South Kivu in September 2023. Ituri faces long-standing intercommunity conflicts, notably between CODECO and Zaire non-state armed groups. Attacks on villages and internally displaced peoples’ camps are forcing families to flee in search of safety again and again. The ADF non-state armed group’s violent attacks in southern Ituri and northern North Kivu are destroying the safety and security of local populations. 1.6 million people are already displaced in Ituri as of September 2023.

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