DR Congo: Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa | Population Movement Emergency Appeal №: MDRCD043

ReliefWeb: Updates by Country 29.02.2024 20:30 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. SITUATION OVERVIEW For almost two years, the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo , specifically North Kivu, has been facing a devastating conflict that has intensified and become increasingly complex over time, with the potential to reach unprecedented levels within this strategically located province. This crisis is characterised by a multitude of armed actors in conflict, a large, displaced population, and an even larger population in need of humanitarian aid. For some months now, the situation has alternated between fighting and short periods of calm. Overall, 1.6 million people have been displaced since the beginning of this crisis in March 2022, according to data from the IOM. The city of Goma and the outlying villages in Nyiragongo territory have continued to receive large numbers of displaced people in several waves. Since the beginning of 2024, an intensification of the conflict between the armed forces of the DRC against the M23 armed group has had devastating effects on the civilian population in several towns within North Kivu. Armed clashes have been reported in various areas, particularly in Mweso and Katsiru in Masisi territory and most recently towards the city of Sake which lies 25km west of Goma. These clashes have led to a spike in population displacement with massive movements towards already overcrowded sites. The escalation peaked from 28 January to 12 February 2024 in the Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo territories. Approximately 135,000 internally displaced people fled Sake in the past week to Goma, the capital of North Kivu, with an additional 60,000 people into South Kivu . Goma has more than two million inhabitants, with at least 500,000 displaced people. The situation is even more worrying as the fighting is moving ever closer to the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu. The use of heavy artillery and shelling has killed dozens, and hospitals in Goma have struggled to cope with the influx of injured civilians. It is reported that the two main roads leading into Goma have been blocked disrupting food supplies. A needs assessment led by Red Cross Society of the Democratic Republic of the Congo , in December revealed that people are living in extremely precarious conditions, packed into family homes or camps. They are already at breaking point – mentally, physically, and financially. Most of the assistance being provided by humanitarian organisations is going to people in camps on the outskirts of Goma, but a lack of funding and the scale of people’s needs means that this is insufficient. According to assessment both the displaced and host communities are struggling to have their most basic needs met, including access to drinking water and health care. People are increasingly adopting negative coping mechanisms to survive, such as stealing and prostitution. Food and health care are also considered priorities. Goma faces additional challenges due to the spreading of a cholera outbreak. The massive displacement of people in North Kivu as a result of the war and its consequences remains the main cause of the spread of cholera. The response from the government and partners remains inadequate. The city’s health care infrastructure is already stretched, and the crisis is compounding the difficulties in managing the outbreak. Humanitarian needs are expected to significantly increase in the coming weeks and months, while the capacity of humanitarian organisations may face challenges due to reduced access, a possible evacuation, or relocations. While humanitarian needs are expected to continue to increase in 2024, the financial resources mobilised in the country are decreasing

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