ReliefWeb: Updates by Country

26.04.2024 23:41 Countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lao People's Democratic Republic , Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Togo, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Zambia, Zimbabwe Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Agency for International Development Please refer to the attached file. Driving Progress in the Fight to End Malaria For Immediate Release Office of Press Relationspress@usaid.gov Thursday, April 25, 2024 Statement by Administrator Samantha Power Last summer, for the first time in two decades, health officials detected the local transmission of malaria in the United States. By October, ten cases had been reported across Florida, Texas, Maryland, and Arkansas. The presence of malaria in the United States is not unusual; every year, there are roughly 2,000 cases brought in by individuals traveling from abroad. But this was the first time in two decades that malaria had been locally transmitted – meaning that mosquitoes inside the United States, in U.S. parks and offices and homes, were shown to be capable of transmitting a disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people globally every year. It was a stark reminder that even in countries where malaria is not on the minds of most people, it can make a resurgence – with implications for the health of communities around the world. The world has made incredible progress in preventing and treating malaria over the last two decades, with deaths from malaria dropping by nearly 37 percent in 2019 when compared to 2000. But the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed hospitals and health systems and interrupted patients’ abilities to seek treatment. Global malaria deaths have largely plateaued since the height of the pandemic, with just over 600,000 lives lost in 2022. With nearly 250 million cases worldwide, and secondary impacts on poverty and economic growth, much more remains to be done. That’s why I am pleased that USAID continues to lead the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative , implemented in partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PMI has invested approximately $10 billion since 2006 to provide communities around the world with crucial prevention measures, such as mosquito nets, while also expanding access to malaria tests and medicines and strengthening the care provided by hospitals, clinics, and community health workers. Today, as resistance to malaria treatments is on the rise and changing weather patterns and climate shocks create conditions where mosquitoes thrive, USAID, through PMI, is adapting its approach in response. We are helping countries conduct surveillance to see where drug resistance is emerging, and we are supporting the development and delivery of alternative drugs. We are helping partner countries use climate data to predict malaria outbreaks so communities can prepare. And we are honored to have funded critical research that led to the world’s first malaria vaccines, approved for use in the last two years. This year, we estimate that children across at least 20 countries in Africa will be able to get their malaria shots – which could help save tens of thousands of lives every year. In PMI’s 18th Annual Report to Congress, released today, the Initiative highlights how its work with partners since 2006 has cut death rates from malaria almost in half across its partner countries, representing millions of lives saved. USAID will continue to work to extend this progress even further – in collaboration with partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors – to move us closer to a world free from this devastating disease.

26.04.2024 16:00 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached Infographic.

26.04.2024 16:00 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached Infographic.

26.04.2024 07:31 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: US Agency for International Development Please refer to the attached Map.

26.04.2024 07:31 Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, United States of America Source: US Agency for International Development Please refer to the attached file. SITUATION AT A GLANCE 113.6 MILLION Population of the DRCUN – December 2023 25.4 MILLION Population in Need of AssistanceUN – December 2023 7.2 MILLION Number of IDPs in the DRCOCHA – February 2024 1.1 MILLION Congolese Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Nearby CountriesUNHCR – January 2024 523,426 Refugees and Asylum-Seekers Sheltering in the DRCUNHCR – January 2024 Food security and malnutrition continue to deteriorate across the DRC, with 1.6 million children ages five years and younger experiencing GAM in 2023, including 520,000 children experiencing severe acute malnutrition. The Congolese franc continues to depreciate and exacerbate food insecurity in the country. Individuals residing in Goma’s Kanyaruchinya IDP site face grave protection concerns, including forced recruitment into armed groups, gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation, according to relief actors. More than 164,000 people remain displaced and in urgent need of humanitarian assistance in Ituri Province due to ongoing CODECO–Zaire militia violence.

25.04.2024 22:10 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN Security Council 9615TH MEETING SC/15677 The security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is deteriorating as fighting escalates between the 23 March Movement rebel group and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo , and that country trades accusations with neighbouring Rwanda over alleged support for proxies in the ongoing conflict, the UN’s top official in the region warned the Security Council today. Strained relations between Rwanda and Burundi, which closed its borders with Rwanda in January, are also compromising progress made since 2020, said Xia Huang, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region, briefing the 15-member organ on implementation of the peace, security and cooperation framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region over the past six months, as laid out in the Secretary-General’s report . “We must urgently increase our efforts at de-escalation and decrease tensions so as to avoid regional conflagration,” Mr. Huang said, welcoming Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço’s political and diplomatic efforts to keep Kinshasa and Kigali engaged in the Luanda process, a regional initiative aimed at normalizing relations between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Outlining his efforts to promote dialogue and support both the Luanda process and the Nairobi process — another regional initiative under the auspices of the East African Community — he cited his joint mission to Kinshasa and Kigali with the International Contact Group of the Great Lakes Region . Last week, he worked with the African Union and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women in Nairobi to mobilize women leaders and experts in the region to discuss how to support peace processes there. Joyce Msuya, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that when she visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February 2024, she was struck by the scale and depth of the immense humanitarian crisis. The country is “the most food insecure country in the world” and its eastern part is “today one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or a girl”, she reported, citing a spike in reported cases of gender-based violence. Just 16 per cent of the $2.6 billion required to reach 8.7 million people in need in 2024 has been funded, she said, stressing: “The people of DRC are astonishingly resilient. But they are being pushed to the brink of catastrophe by overwhelming challenges. They need our support.” Likewise, Vaweka Pétronille, Coordinator of Women Engaged for Peace in Africa, said that nearly 30 years of violence and mass displacement combined with the lack of protection for civilian populations — particularly women whose bodies had become “objects of unspeakable suffering, targeted with mutilation, rape and other forms of unimaginable violence, often perpetrated in front of their families” — has plunged eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo into a state of chronic insecurity. She called for creation of an international monitoring mechanism to guarantee the continuation of peace processes in the Great Lakes region, stressing: “It is imperative not to export the war that we do not want at home to others.” In the ensuing discussion, several Council members also expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the illicit exploitation of the region’s natural resources, underscoring the importance of implementing the Luanda and Nairobi processes and advancing dialogue. On that, Esmeralda Mendonça, Angola’s Secretary of State for External Relations, highlighted that her country’s President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço has engaged in diplomatic initiatives to reduce political tensions and brought together the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda at the margins of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa in February. Some delegates encouraged enhancing women’s participation in peacebuilding, with the representative of Switzerland stressing that “for peace to be established and sustained, women need to be at the frontlines in all political processes” and their leadership is key in preventing climate change-related conflicts. “While women in the region are particularly affected by natural disasters, they are also actors with a sound understanding of mitigation strategies,” she added. Sierra Leone’s delegate, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Mozambique, joined other speakers in demanding the end of any further advances by M23 and for armed groups and their supporters to immediately cease hostilities. Noting the solidarity shown by the region’s countries in hosting refugees, he also encouraged the international community to continue providing humanitarian aid to the people in the Great Lakes region. Likewise, the representative of the United States, the largest donor to the humanitarian response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, providing over $294 million so far in fiscal year 2024, urged other countries’ financial support. Noting that Rwanda's destabilizing actions “have pushed the region even closer to war,” he warned that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute a war crime under international law and urged Rwanda to halt all attacks against the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo . Rejecting that claim that Rwanda attacked MONUSCO peacekeepers as “completely irresponsible, far-fetched and cooked up”, Rwanda’s delegate stressed that his country does not have a presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The region “continues to see the lack of political will from Kinshasa”, he said, sounding the alarm over the growing hate speech and the acts of ethnic cleansing in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, stressing that Rwanda’s “intoxicating obsession with the abundant strategic resources lying beneath the soil of my country has led it to lose all sense of reason,” said that it has blocked the peace initiatives to gain time to build a zone of influence. He also observed that Wazalendo fighters should not be considered a negative force but Congolese patriots, “youths who have suffered from the horrors of war.” Briefings XIA HUANG, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Great Lakes Region, briefed on the Secretary-General’s latest report on implementation of the peace, security and cooperation framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region . He cited exacerbated tensions between that country and Rwanda due to repeated clashes between the 23 March Movement and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo , including the rhetoric of confrontation between the two countries based on reciprocal accusations. Tensions between Burundi and Rwanda in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are compromising progress made since 2020. “We must urgently increase our efforts at de-escalation and decrease tensions so as to avoid regional conflagration,” he stressed. To that end, he welcomed political and diplomatic efforts of Angola’s President João Lourenco, which are allowing Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Paul Kagame of Rwanda to remain engaged in the Luanda process. Highlighting his work with international partners, he said he carried out a joint mission to Kinshasa and Kigali with the International Contact Group of the Great Lakes Region . In support of regional initiatives, his Office continues to facilitate the activities of the Contact and Coordination Group and its operational cell to neutralize foreign armed groups in the east of the Democratic People’s Republic through non-military means. The success of the repatriation of Burundian combatants operating in South Kivu could be an impetus for a positive dynamic in the region,” he added. Further, on 17 April in Nairobi — along with the African Union and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women — he mobilized women leaders and experts from a few countries in the region to discuss how to support peace processes there. Underscoring the need for including women in the Luanda and Nairobi processes, he said they must play a full role in the peace talks. Turning to natural resources, he welcomed that on 28 November 2023 Uganda launched a regional mechanism for certification of certain minerals, joining the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi and the United Republic of Tanzania who are already implementing this principal ICGLR tool. He also commended the partner countries in the region on the other end of the mineral supply chain for supporting these efforts by revising and aligning their guidelines in the area with ICGLR’s norms. He reported that the signature countries, during the Technical Support Committee held on 1 and 2 February, analysed the recommendation for the revitalization of the Framework for Peace, Security and Cooperation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region. To ensure that these recommendations come into force, he held a meeting with the African Union, ICGLR and the South African Development Community on 15 April in Nairobi, where several initiatives were agreed upon to enable support in resolving the crisis and implementing the Framework Agreement. As well as increasing coordination and information exchange, the participants committed to carrying out more joint missions in the region. The Heads of State of the region plan to endorse the proposals made and provide further guidance for the twelfth High-Level Meeting of the Regional Mechanism Follow-Up to the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement, which will be hosted in Uganda. To that end, he said he intends soon to visit Kampala to discuss this important event with Ugandan authorities. JOYCE MSUYA, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, said that when she visited the Democratic Republic of the Congo in February 2024, she was struck by the scale and depth of the immense humanitarian crisis, which has since deteriorated further. The country is “the most food insecure country in the world,” she said, noting that nearly one in four Congolese — or 23.4 million people — are experiencing acute hunger and more than 7.2 million people are internally displaced. Between December 2023 and March 2024 alone, the latter increased by an alarming 700,000 people. Some 280,000 people have arrived in Minova in South Kivu since early February, fleeing fighting in North Kivu, where armed fighting, looting of health facilities, damage to schools, and severe restrictions on humanitarian access have exacerbated the plight of the displaced. As of March, more than 100 displacement sites have been created in and around Goma, the largest city in North Kivu, hosting an overwhelming 630,000 people. In Ituri, intercommunal violence has increased, with almost 200 attacks recorded since the start of 2024, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Across these three provinces, the presence of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo bases has until now provided a degree of protection for civilians, she said, adding that humanitarian organizations are deeply concerned about the potential impact of MONUSCO’s ongoing withdrawal. “Eastern DRC is today one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or a girl,” she said, citing a spike in reported cases of gender-based violence from 40,000 cases in 2021, to 78,000 in 2022 and to 123,000 in 2023, marking a 300 per cent jump. The real numbers are likely far higher. The conflict has also significantly increased the dangers for children, including their recruitment by armed groups, abduction, killing, maiming and sexual violence. Today, 37 per cent of girls in the country are forcibly married before the age of 18. Furthermore, at least 772 schools closed in 2023, depriving more than 300,000 girls and boys of education. The repercussions of the conflict extend well beyond the country’s borders. Around 1 million people have now sought refuge in neighbouring countries, with more than half in Uganda. From 16 June to 31 December 2023, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths activated a system-wide scale-up of the humanitarian response for the three provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with nearly 4 million people receiving humanitarian assistance in the second half of that year. As of February 2024, aid organizations had already reached 2.6 million people with some form of support, with local women’s groups playing a key role. “But let me be clear: the humanitarian operation is dangerously overstretched,” she said. Noting that just 16 per cent of the $2.6 billion required to reach 8.7 million people in need in 2024 has been funded, she asserted: “The people of DRC are astonishingly resilient. But they are being pushed to the brink of catastrophe by overwhelming challenges. They need our support.” VAWEKA PÉTRONILLE, Coordinator of Women Engaged for Peace in Africa, testified about the alarming situation faced by women in the Great Lakes Region, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over the past 25 years, she has witnessed unspeakable atrocities: Those who escaped horrific death, faced destitution, hunger and disease. “Women’s bodies, once sacred, became objects of unspeakable suffering, targeted with mutilation, rape and other forms of unimaginable violence, often perpetrated in front of their families,” she said. “I saw babies crying over the mutilated bodies of their mothers and babies feeding at the breasts of their dead mothers.” Nearly 7 million people were displaced, the main victims being women, girls and children, she said, adding that no humanitarian programme can rectify the magnitude of this catastrophe. Nearly 30 years of violence, atrocities and mass displacement, orchestrated by both national and foreign armed groups, combined with the lack of protection for civilian populations, has plunged the east of Democratic Republic of the Congo into a state of chronic insecurity. “Our communities have been grappling with endless conflicts, manipulated and incited to kill other communities among ourselves for the benefit of those who plunder our natural resources,” she said. “Our telephones, our computers, our electric cars and other electric gadget are directly tied to the suffering and the deaths of the people of the Great Lakes of Africa.” The women from the Great Lakes Region are not merely victims. They are actors engaged in the quest for peace and security, she said, adding that women have succeeded in reducing the activity of armed groups and have helped reconcile communities in conflict. She recounted the story of “Rachel,” a 30-year-old woman from Ituri Province, who was abducted, held captive and raped over the course of months. Left dying on the side of the road, she eventually received care and later joined a mediation unit for armed groups, seeking peace so that other women and girls could avoid her ordeal. “Rachel’s story illustrates the resilience of Congolese women,” she said. She called for support for lasting peace and security in the region and the full enforcement of efforts “to transform blood minerals into minerals for life” through a fair trade where all parties benefit. She also called for creation of an international monitoring mechanism to guarantee compliance with commitments and the continuation of peace processes in the Great Lakes region; increased support from MONUSCO, the Special Envoy’s Office, the African Union and the ICGLR to engage and involve women in the peace processes; support for the implementation of the ICGLR regional action plan on Council resolution 1325 ; and substantial support in strengthening technical and economic capacities to guarantee lasting peace and security in the Great Lakes region. “It is imperative not to export the war that we do not want at home to others,” she said. Statements The representative of France said the three cardinal principles of the Framework Agreement for peace and stability in the region — not to support armed groups, respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighbouring States, and neither to shelter nor protect persons accused of crimes and violations of international law — must be respected by all parties. There can be no military solution to this crisis and only the implementation of commitments assumed through regional processes, particularly the Luanda and Nairobi processes, will help to set the stage for lasting peace, she stressed. She welcomed the Congolese and Rwandan foreign ministerial meeting on 21 March in Luanda and encouraged the parties to continue to rekindle dialogue. She also commended the Congolese proposal for a plan to demobilize and disarm the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda . She urged an end to hate speech targeting certain communities, particularly the Tutsis, and encouraged the coordination efforts undertaken under the auspices of the African Union through the quadripartite format. The representative of Sierra Leone, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Mozambique, condemned in the strongest terms all acts of violence and abuses against civilians by armed groups and encouraged the international community to continue providing humanitarian aid to the people in the Great Lakes region. He noted the solidarity shown by the region’s countries in hosting refugees. He demanded the end of any further advances by M23 and called for their withdrawal from the occupied territories. “We look forward to the convening of an inclusive Inter-Congolese dialogue stemming from the Nairobi process,” he said, reaffirming the Joint Communiqué of the United Nations-African Union Joint Task Force on Peace and Security issued at its Twenty-Third Consultative Meeting on 16 April. He emphasized the need for coordination and complementarity between political and military initiatives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as highlighted in the recently adopted Presidential Statement, among other communiqués. Stressing that the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region remains a strategic mechanism for resolving the conflict, he welcomed the mediation efforts by President João Lourenço of Angola and former President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. He commended the efforts of the region’s countries to deepen bilateral and diplomatic engagements through Joint Permanent Commission meetings and high-level visits, also welcoming the recent request by signatory countries to the Technical Support Committee to conduct an independent assessment. “We believe that this will be a good basis to revitalize the PSC-F ,” he said, urging the signatory countries to cooperate in judicial matters. The representative of Ecuador expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which requires immediate attention from the international community. The response must be accompanied by actions conducive to peacebuilding by addressing the root causes of conflict that facilitate the path to peace. In that regard, Quito welcomes the advice of the Peacebuilding Commission that implementing the relevant elements of the Framework Agreement can contribute to the building of more just societies. Coordinated actions with the UN system are fundamental to the most important regional issues, such as the management of the sustainable and transparent development of natural resources, the promotion of human rights and the implementation of the peace and security agendas for women and youth. The representative of the Russian Federation noted that the situation in the Great Lakes Region in Africa continues to deteriorate because of the negative security crisis in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, expressing concern that the conflict will escalate further with the participation of the M23 armed groups. “We are particularly concerned by the tense relations between Kinshasa and Kigali which have gone hand-in-hand with growing tensions,” she said. She noted with regret that the escalation of tensions in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in heightened tension among other regional States as well. “There is an important need to prevent the further deterioration of the architecture for international assistance and cooperation in the region,” she said, adding: “The military operations are also used as a smokescreen to cover for the illegal exploitation and smuggling of Congolese natural resources.” The representative of the United Kingdom expressed his deep concern over the worsening conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the deteriorating humanitarian situation which has resulted in the large-scale displacement of people and high levels of sexual violence, including in camps housing internally displaced persons. MONUSCO’s efforts remain critical, he said, urging all parties to immediately end attacks on peacekeeping troops. He also noted with concern increased tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda and between Rwanda and Burundi. “We have called on all external actors to end their support for armed groups in the DRC,” he said, adding that the United Kingdom has engaged Kinshasa and Kigali on the need for dialogue, urging them to use their influence to de-escalate tensions and seek a cessation of hostilities. The representative of the United States, noting the weak international response to the UN humanitarian appeal, said his country is the largest donor to the humanitarian response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has provided over $294 million so far in fiscal year 2024, and urged countries’ financial support. He called on armed groups and their supporters to immediately cease hostilities, uphold international human rights law, protect civilians, hold their members accountable for human rights abuses and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to those in need. “Rwanda’s destabilizing actions in eastern DRC have pushed the region even closer to war,” he stressed, calling on Rwanda to cease its support for M23 and withdraw from the territory of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Rwanda must halt all attacks against MONUSCO positions and equipment, he said, stressing that: “Such conduct by a major UN peacekeeping contributor is unacceptable.” Echoing the Secretary-General, he warned that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute a war crime under international law. The representative of Slovenia expressed support for the revitalization and strengthening of the Cooperation Framework and warned of the risk of undermining this process by inflammatory rhetoric. She welcomed the leadership of regional actors in promoting diplomatic solutions, stressing: “Support of any kind to armed groups must be halted.” Voicing concern over the illicit exploitation of natural resources, she encouraged the countries in the region to implement the ICGCR Regional Mineral Certification Mechanism. Turning to the adverse impacts of climate change, she said that implementing conflict-sensitive climate action is essential for promoting stability and safety. She further condemned continued violations and abuses of human rights, including shelling, sexual violence and exploitation in and around displacement camps, underscoring that “ensuring accountability is imperative”. The representative of Switzerland said that “for peace to be established and sustained, women need to be at the frontlines in all political processes”, adding that much remains to be done to ensure their full participation, particularly in the Nairobi and Luanda processes. Calling for greater cooperation between the actors in the region to defuse tensions and reduce the risk of a regional military confrontation, she underscored the crucial importance for the countries concerned to pursue diplomatic measures and respect their commitments. Climate change is hurting the security situation in the Great Lakes region, she said, stressing the key role of women’s leadership in preventing climate change-related conflicts. While women in the region are particularly affected by natural disasters, they are also actors with a sound understanding of mitigation strategies. For its part, her country has organized Great Lakes retreats with the Office of the Special Envoy for several years now. The representative of Japan expressed regret over the continued and increasing violence which has further aggravated the humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo over the last six months. Tensions have heightened between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda and now between Rwanda and Burundi. “We have deep concern over the growing possibility of another all-out regional conflict,” she said, adding that the signatory countries must fully implement the Framework Agreement. “It remains vital to bring sustainable peace and stability in the region,” she said, noting the importance of the commitment to not tolerate nor provide any kind of support to armed groups and to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring countries. “Ongoing support to armed groups only exacerbates instability on the ground and adds misery to people’s lives, especially women and children,” she said. “It must be stopped immediately.” The representative of China warned that the persistent turmoil in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo over the recent period will erode all parties’ confidence in advancing the peace process and jeopardize hard-won results. He voiced hope that all parties will seize the opportunity at the upcoming Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism to reaffirm their commitment to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs and not support armed groups. He encouraged regional countries to implement the Luanda and Nairobi processes and urged armed groups to immediately cease violence. Differences should be resolved through dialogue and the use of military means should be avoided, he added. Pointing to poverty and underdevelopment as the root causes of the protracted unrest in the Great Lakes, he urged the international community to help countries in the region to address development challenges, scale up humanitarian assistance and build national capacity for growth. The representative of the Republic of Korea expressed support for the call of the African Union Peace and Security Council for a second Quadripartite Summit and follow-up actions from the inaugural Summit held in June 2023 with the participation of ICGLR, SADC, the Economic Community of Central African States and East African Community. He encouraged cooperation among the Contact and Coordination Group’s members to implement non-military measures for demobilization and repatriation of foreign combatants, also urging the signatories to deepen the Great Lakes Judicial Cooperation Network. Voicing concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation, including sexual and gender-based violence, he stressed that humanitarian assistance must be accessible for the needs of women and girls. “Enhancing women’s participation in national and local political processes is crucial in making progress towards genuine peacebuilding,” he added. The representative of Malta, Council President for April, said that Member States must scale up funding and protection for women-led organizations so they are able to reach those most in need. She condemned foreign military support provided to M23, urging the parties to address their grievances through negotiations. Commending the leadership of Angolan President João Lourenço, she called for a prompt meeting between the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda to foster reconciliation. Further, she urged the facilitators of Luanda and Nairobi processes to appoint women mediators and gender advisers and to leverage the African Women Leaders Network. “Women possess invaluable perspectives that have yet to be fully recognized,” she added. Underscoring the need for demobilization and repatriation, she also called for enhanced collaboration through the Great Lakes Judicial Cooperation Network. The representative of Rwanda, noting that his country is commemorating the thirtieth remembrance of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, said that the effects of that tragedy continue to have an impact on the situation in the Great Lakes region, with genocidal extremists reorganizing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and spreading genocide ideology throughout the region, specifically in that country’s eastern provinces targeting the Congolese Tutsi. Citing figures from the Government of that country, he said that more than 250 local and 14 foreign armed groups are operating on its territory. The FARDC provides the genocidal FDLR and its splinter groups with military, logistical, financial and political support. This is a serious concern to his country as the FDLR poses “a direct and existential threat” to Rwanda’s security and territorial integrity. Rejecting an allegation that Rwanda attacked MONUSCO peacekeepers as “completely irresponsible, far-fetched and cooked up”, he stressed that Rwanda does not have a presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the contrary, the Council has material information that certain MONUSCO forces have withdrawn from their positions because of constant attacks and shelling by the FARDC, Wazalendo and the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His country has signed the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework and supported other regional efforts, such as the Nairobi and Luanda processes, towards ending the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. But the region continues to see the lack of political will from Kinshasa. He also sounded the alarm over the growing hate speech and atrocities targeting the Congolese Tutsi community in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, stressing that these acts of ethnic cleansing should not be overlooked by the Council. The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said the armed aggression in the east that his country is a victim of has led to the displacement of over 7 million Congolese people. “These statistics are sickening,” he said, adding that over 70 per cent are women and girls. “These Congolese women are deprived of their basic vital needs and have lost all human dignity. Many of them have been subjected to rape, sexual violence and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. This situation has exacted a high human price: 15 million deaths. “It is the work of a neighboring country, Rwanda, whose intoxicating obsession with the abundant strategic resources lying beneath the soil of my country has led it to lose all sense of reason,” he said. For this reason, the peace initiatives taken at the regional and international levels have remained a dead letter. Rwanda has deliberately blocked the implementation of these processes to gain time to build a zone of influence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which it wants to transform into a colony for exploitation and settlement from which to control Congolese institutions, he said, adding that these actions are unacceptable and violate the tenets of the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement. Peace and the restoration of dignity for Congolese women remain key priorities for the Congolese authorities, he said, adding that the Democratic Republic of the Congo has signed up to the women, peace and security agenda, enshrined in resolution 1325 . He also responded to earlier remarks by the Rwandan delegate by saying that over 15 million Congolese people have died since the Rwandan genocide which, he said, only claimed the lives of 800,000 people. Furthermore, he said the Wazalendo fighters should not be considered a negative force but Congolese patriots, “youths who have suffered from the horrors of war”. ESMERALDA MENDONÇA, Secretary of State for External Relations of Angola, called on States and other relevant actors to exert their political influence on the M23 and other negative forces in the region and push for the immediate cessation of all hostilities and reinforced commitments to peace. “The Republic of Angola remains committed to actively contributing to reaching a political and diplomatic solution aimed at achieving sustainable peace in the DRC and the region,” she emphasized. Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço has been engaged in diplomatic initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability, reducing political tensions and re-establishing an environment of trust between the parties concerned through the Luanda and Nairobi processes. On the sidelines of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Addis Ababa in February, he called for a mini-summit and brought together the Presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, among other leaders in the region, she said, further detailing his initiatives towards sustainable peace. She urged the implementation of the Luanda Roadmap, which provides clear paths for a ceasefire, disarmament, withdrawal, and demobilization of armed groups. Achieving lasting peace in the region requires the effective implementation of the decisions resulting from the Luanda and Nairobi processes, redoubling of diplomatic efforts to promote and deepen direct dialogue between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, and the resumption of joint verification mechanisms for the normalization of political relations between the two countries, and complete suppression of support to negative forces that threaten the stability of the States in the region. Also needed are implementation of a monitored ceasefire, accompanied by a process of disengagement of forces, and revitalized regional and international partnership for assistance and support. The relatively long ceasefire period in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo for much of 2022 and 2023 was the result of combined coordination efforts between all the relevant parties in the quadripartite process, she pointed out, calling for a second Quadripartite Summit, as soon as possible, to monitor the progress made in the implementation of the commitments made at the first one. For information media. Not an official record.

25.04.2024 13:40 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Mercy Corps Please refer to the attached file. I. Methodology Data collection Researchers and analysts from the Crisis Analysis Team in the Democratic Republic of Congo collect, triangulate and analyze information gathered from primary and secondary sources. Each week, researchers conduct interviews with key informants to better understand the events contributing to the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC . They analyze their potential impact on humanitarian operations. These interviews take place with local administrative officials, customary representatives, health personnel, representatives of the army and armed groups, as well as humanitarian organizations active in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Tanganyika and Maniema. CAT-DRC also uses a number of secondary sources made available by humanitarian partners and the community. All information undergoes a triangulation process before analysis and dissemination. However, the information presented in this report is subject to change at the time of publication due to rapidly evolving situations in the region. If you have any comments or information you would like the CAT-DRC to follow up, please use the linked form: contact form. Data analysis and report structure The analyses presented focus on two main aspects: Populations displacements and the response status of humanitarian needs; and humanitarian access in the areas hosting the most displaced people in eastern DRC. Population displacement and humanitarian need Analysis of displacement is the first section of this report. This section aims to document and understand new population movements which occurred during the month covered by this report, and assess and map humanitarian needs from unassisted displacement that took place in the past four months, including the month under review. Areas with high unassisted displacement are referred to as displacement hotspots. Both displacement hotspots and new displacements are analyzed at the territory level in the five provinces studied in eastern DRC, and are presented on Map 1. On this map, territories are categorized into class intervals that correspond to the number of households hosted in the territory which have not yet received humanitarian assistance. The number of households used to categorize territories corresponds to the sum of all major displacements, i.e. over 300 households, reported in each territory December 2023 and March 2024. Displacements of over 300 households in March 2024 are also illustrated on Map 1, by marking the position of the localities hosting the displaced people. These new displacements are then described in more detail, on a case-by-case basis, with maps showing population movements of departure and reception areas for each of the territories concerned.

25.04.2024 13:40 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Mercy Corps Please refer to the attached file. I. Approche méthodologique Collecte des données Les chercheurs et analystes de l’Équipe d’Analyse de Crises en République Démocratique du Congo font la collecte, la triangulation et l’analyse des informations recueillies auprès des sources primaires et secondaires. Chaque semaine, les chercheurs mènent des entretiens avec des informateurs clés pour mieux comprendre les événements qui contribuent à la crise humanitaire dans l’est de la RDC . Ils analysent leurs impacts potentiels sur les opérations humanitaires. Ces entretiens ont lieu avec des responsables administratifs locaux, des représentants coutumiers, le personnel de santé, des représentants de l’armée et des groupees armés, ainsi que les organisations humanitaires actives dans l’Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, Tanganyika et Maniema. Le CAT-RDC utilise également plusieurs sources secondaires mises à disposition par les partenaires humanitaires et la communauté. Toute information subit un processus de triangulation avant l’analyse et la dissémination. Toutefois, les informations présentées dans ce rapport sont susceptibles de changer au moment de leur publication du fait de l’évolution rapide des situations dans la région. Si vous avez des commentaires ou des informations auxquelles vous souhaitez que le CAT-RDC donne suite, veuillez remplir ce formulaire ici. Analyse des données et subdivision du rapport Les analyses présentées portent sur deux aspects principaux : déplacements des populations et le statut de couverture des besoins humanitaires ; et accès humanitaire dans les zones accueillant le plus de déplacés à l’est de la RDC. Déplacements des populations et besoins humanitaires L’analyse des déplacements constitue le premier aspect abordé dans ce rapport. Cette analyse vise d’une part à documenter et à comprendre les nouveaux mouvements des populations, c’est-à-dire ceux qui se sont produits au cours du mois concerné par ce rapport, et d’autre part à évaluer et à cartographier les zones qui ont accueilli le plus de vagues des déplacés non assistés au cours de quatre derniers mois incluant le mois concerné par ce rapport. Ces zones sont désignées, dans la suite, comme hotspots de déplacements. Les hotspots de déplacements comme les nouveaux déplacements sont analysés à l’échelle des territoires dans les cinq provinces étudiées à l’est de la RDC et sont présentés sur la carte 1. Sur cette carte, les territoires sont catégorisés en intervalles de classes qui correspondent au nombre de ménages accueillis dans le territoire et n’ayant pas encore obtenu une quelconque assistance humanitaire. Le nombre de ménages utilisé pour catégoriser les territoires correspond à la somme de tous les déplacements majeurs, c’est-à-dire de plus de 300 ménages, rapportés dans chacun des territoires entre décembre 2023 et mars 2024.

25.04.2024 13:40 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Sources: Action Medeor, CARE International, Handicap International - Humanity & Inclusion, Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, Malteser International, Welthungerhilfe, World Vision Please refer to the attached file. Nine organisations are calling for swift action to alleviate the plight of millions of people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently worsening dramatically. Decades of fighting have already led to 6.4 million internally displaced persons and 5.3 million refugees. Since autumn last year, a new outbreak of violence has turned another million people into displaced persons in their own country. In times of decreasing humanitarian aid and development cooperation budgets and less attention on forgotten crises, the organisations action medeor, Action against Hunger, CARE, Handicap International, Help, Johanniter International Assistance, Malteser International, Welthungerhilfe and World Vision are calling for swift action by the international community. Access to food, water, healthcare and protection must be ensured for the people in the DR Congo. The spread of violent conflicts to neighbouring countries must be prevented. A ceasefire, safe humanitarian access to those in need and the demilitarisation of displaced areas are essential. It is equally important to urgently increase financial assistance in order to meet the humanitarian needs. In addition to the acute crisis, people have been experiencing one of the largest hunger crises in the world for years. The organisations warn that this crisis could escalate further in North Kivu. Malnutrition and diarrhoeal diseases are spreading at an alarming rate "The situation in Congo is dramatic: we are currently registering over one million refugees in the city of Goma alone“, says Christoph van Edig, Help’s Programme Coordinator for Congo. People are living in makeshift camps often lacking basic infrastructure. There is clearly not enough clean water and sanitary facilities, resulting in the spread of diarrhea disease, cholera and malnutrition. The organisations Help and action medeor are actively helping to prevent or contain diseases such as cholera with disinfectants, hygiene kits, diarrhoea medication and the construction of sanitary facilities. Johanniter is also working in the camps providing mobile clinics to treat the injured and sick. "Our partner reports patients with serious injuries, mainly caused by gunfire and bombs“, says Anthonin Ngarukiye, Johanniter Head of Mission for Congo. World Vision and CARE are focusing primarily on women and children. Around 1.1 million children under the age of five, and 605,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished. „The number of severely malnourished children under the age of five admitted to our centres has quadrupled since November 2023. In February, we recorded up to 10 new cases of children with severe acute malnutrition per day“, reports Florian Monnerie, Country Director of Action Against Hunger. In addition, displaced women and girls are often exposed to the risk of gender-specific violence. ‘The trauma faced by vulnerable children and families requires action and greater support,’ reports David Munkley, Head of the World Vision office in Goma. World Vision and CARE are providing life-saving assistance, despite the ongoing fragility, violence and access challenges. Risk of conflagration for the region Access to people outside Goma has been limited since the renewed flare-up of violence. Important roads are regularly blocked by fighting between armed groups, making it impossible to deliver humanitarian aid. ‘We demand that transit and unhindered access for humanitarian personnel be guaranteed and that the civilian status of the areas where refugees live be respected,’ says Dr. Inez Kipfer-Didavi, Managing Director of Handicap International Germany . HI transports vital goods for a total of 12 aid organisations working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is where Welthungerhilfe comes in, supporting not only internally displaced people in Goma, but also countless rural host families and communities. The Country Director of Welthungerhilfe, Manfred Bischofberger, says: "Host families and communities in particular have a key role to play in welcoming displaced people. They need our utmost attention and support, otherwise the humanitarian crisis will continue to spread like a wildfire in the areas that can offer protection“. As an example, the situation in the neighbouring province of Ituri is getting increasingly worse. Since the beginning of the year, more than 200 violent attacks have already been reported. Around 1.6 million people are currently displaced in Ituri alone. „We have distributed cash, mattresses and blankets to the displaced, are now strengthening medical care and from may onwards will be providing malnourished children with emergency food, among other things“, says Johannes Schildknecht, Malteser International's DR Congo Officer. Note to editors: Employees of the aid organisations in the DR Congo are available for interviews. Photo and video material can be made available. Contact persons for the editorial offices: action medeor: Dr. Markus Bremers, Press spokesman,Markus.Bremers@medeor.de, Tel +49 2156-9788178 Action against Hunger: Vassilios Saroglou, Head of Communication, vsaroglou@aktiongegendenhunger.de, +49 30 279 099 776 CARE: Kerstin Bandsom, Head of Communication, bandsom@care.de, Tel.: +49 170 7448 600 Handicap International e.V.: Huberta von Roedern, Head of Communication, h.vonroedern@hi.org, Tel: 0151 - 73 02 32 06 Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe: Sandra Schiller, press spokeswoman, schiller@helpev.de, Tel.: +49 173 - 2790 438 Johanniter International Assistance: Sandra Lorenz, Head of Communication, sandra.lorenz@johanniter.de, Tel.: +49 172 - 563 87 40 Malteser International: Katharina Kiecol, Press officer, katharina.kiecol@malteserinternational.org, +49 221-98227 181 World Vision: Dirk Bathe, press spokesman, dirk.bathe@wveu.org, Tel: +49 175 - 187 95 25

25.04.2024 13:40 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Sources: Education Cluster, Save the Children, UN Children's Fund Please refer to the attached file. Y a-t-il une différence entre les cours de récupération et les cours de rattrapage ? Oui. Les cours de récupération sont sous le leadership de Ministère de l’Enseignement Primaire, Secondaire et Technique et gérés par le Programme National de l’Enseignement Primaire alors que les cours de rattrapage sont gérés par le Ministère des Affaires Sociales avec le Programme National de Rattrapage Scolaire Tandis que les cours de récupération concernent les enfants scolarisés en rupture scolaire avec pour objectif de les remettre à niveau et les faire retourner dès que possible en classe, le programme d’éducation accélérée à savoir le « Programme de Rattrapage Scolaire du niveau primaire » cible les enfants sur-âgés de de 9 à 14 ans n’ayant pas accédé à l’enseignement formel à l’âge d’inscription et/ou déscolarisés d’acquérir des compétences et aptitudes du niveau primaire pouvant leur permettre d’accéder au niveau secondaire de l’enseignement formel ou d’embrasser l’apprentissage professionnel. Ce programme de 3 ans préparant les enfants au test national de fin d’études primaires TENAFEP en sigle est adapté au programme national de l’enseignement primaire et répond à une approche condensée regroupant ainsi les trois niveaux de l’enseignement primaire national. A la page 60 du même document, il y a une adresse qui donne plus de précisions faisant le lien entre les cours de rattrapage et les enfants en dehors du système scolaire.

25.04.2024 05:10 Countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda Source: UN Security Council 9615E SÉANCE – MATIN CS/15677 L’Envoyé spécial du Secrétaire général pour la région des Grands Lacs a déclaré au Conseil de sécurité que, depuis son dernier exposé devant cette instance, les tensions entre la République démocratique du Congo et le Rwanda se sont exacerbées à travers des combats menés entre le mouvement dénommé M23 et les Forces armées de la RDC. M. Huang Xia a aussi évoqué la détérioration de la situation humanitaire dans l’est de la RDC et la persistance d’une rhétorique de confrontation sur fonds d’accusation de déstabilisation. Le Conseil a de nouveau assisté ce matin à une passe d’armes entre les délégations rwandaise et congolaise qui s’accusent, l’une et l’autre, de semer le trouble chez le voisin, tandis que les membres du Conseil ont de nouveau appelé à la poursuite des efforts de médiation, notamment à travers les processus de Luanda et de Nairobi. L’Envoyé spécial a aussi déploré les tensions entre le Burundi et le Rwanda en rapport à la situation dans l’est de la RDC, qui compromettent les progrès visant l’harmonisation entre les deux pays. Il a appelé les pays de la région à des efforts de désescalade pour éviter l’embrasement général. Cela passe par un dialogue franc et sincère entre les parties, a-t-il suggéré, tout en louant les efforts diplomatiques du Président angolais. Présente justement à cette séance, la Secrétaire d’État angolaise aux affaires étrangères, Mme Esmeralda Mendonça, a rappelé que la rencontre ministérielle de Luanda du 21 mars dernier s’était tenue dans une atmosphère constructive. Des consultations sont d’ailleurs en cours pour une seconde rencontre en vue d’un sommet entre les Présidents rwandais et congolais. Les parties doivent s’accorder sur les mesures à prendre en faveur de la désescalade et de la résolution de la crise, a recommandé l’Envoyé spécial. Notant aussi que les femmes ont une contribution importante à apporter, il a signalé avoir mobilisé les femmes de la région pour envisager les moyens de soutenir les processus de paix. Il a également souligné le lien entre les ressources naturelles et les conflits dans la région des Grands Lacs. Selon lui, il est crucial de résoudre les causes profondes des conflits de la région de manière durable. Sur le plan humanitaire, la Sous-Secrétaire générale aux affaires humanitaires et Coordonnatrice adjointe des secours d’urgence au Bureau de la coordination des affaires humanitaires a relevé que plus de 7,2 millions de personnes sont déplacées en RDC, qui est l’un des pays les plus dangereux au monde pour les femmes et les filles. Le nombre de cas de violences liées au genre est passé de 40 000 en 2021 à 123 000 en 2023, a illustré Mme Joyce Msuya en précisant que les deux tiers de ces crimes ont été commis dans les provinces du Nord-Kivu, du Sud-Kivu et de l’Ituri. De plus, 37% des filles en RDC sont mariées de force avant l’âge de 18 ans, tandis qu’environ un million de personnes ont trouvé refuge dans les pays voisins, dont la moitié en Ouganda. Abordant la question du financement de l’aide, la haute fonctionnaire a indiqué que 16% des 2,6 milliards de dollars nécessaires en 2024 pour venir en aide à 8,7 millions de personnes ont été décaissés. La communauté internationale doit faire mieux, a-t-elle lancé. Pour sa part, la militante Pétronille Vaweka, coordinatrice nationale du centre « Femmes Engagées pour la Paix en Afrique » et lauréate du Prix Building Peace 2023 de l’Institut américain pour la paix, a lancé un appel au Conseil de sécurité pour qu’il agisse afin de « transformer les minerais de sang en minerais de vie et de bonheur » pour le monde, les pays des Grands Lacs et la RDC. Elle a aussi demandé la mise en place d’un mécanisme de suivi international pour garantir le respect des engagements et la continuation des processus de paix dans la région des Grands Lacs, ainsi qu’un soutien accru, de la Mission de l’Organisation des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation en République démocratique du Congo et de l’Union africaine notamment. Elle-même ayant été témoin d’atrocités indicibles, elle a dit qu’il lui était arrivé « de voir des bébés pleurer sur le corps mutilé de leur mère, ou téter le sein de leur mère décédée », rappelant aussi que les personnes déplacées sont pour la plupart des femmes, des filles et des enfants. La Sierra Leone, au nom des A3+1 , a condamné les actes de violence commis par les groupes armés - M23, Forces démocratiques alliées-Armée nationale de libération de l’Ouganda , Forces démocratiques de libération du Rwanda , et Coalition des démocrates congolais notamment. Il a appelé tous les groupes armés congolais et étrangers à déposer les armes et demandé la mise en œuvre des processus de paix régionaux de Luanda et de Nairobi. Il a aussi salué la médiation du Président de l’Angola et de l’ancien Président kenyan Uhuru Kenyatta entre la RDC et le Rwanda. Il n’y aura pas de solution militaire à cette crise, a dit la France. Selon la délégation, « seule la mise en œuvre des engagements pris dans le cadre des processus de paix régionaux, en particulier ceux de Luanda et de Nairobi, permettra d’établir les conditions d’une paix durable ». La Fédération de Russie a dit être prête à discuter des paramètres d’une assistance éventuelle aux forces de la mission régionale, après avoir pris connaissance des propositions pertinentes du Secrétariat de l’ONU. La Chine a appelé à la désescalade, jugeant aussi crucial de promouvoir le développement, car le sous-développement et la pauvreté sont les principales sources des conflits dans la région. Les États-Unis ont dénoncé les violences sexuelles et le sous-financement de la réponse humanitaire. Ils ont indiqué que les actions déstabilisatrices du Rwanda menacent de mener la région à la guerre. Le soutien rwandais au M23 doit cesser, ont-ils clamé. Dans ce sillage, la RDC, par la voix de son représentant, a rappelé que les troupes rwandaises se trouvent en ce moment sur le territoire de la RDC. C’est bien pour cela que les États-Unis leur ont demandé de quitter le pays, a-t-il expliqué. Cette situation au lourd bilan humain, soit 15 millions de morts, est l’œuvre d’un pays voisin, le Rwanda à qui « l’obsession et l’ivresse des matières stratégiques que regorge le sous-sol de mon pays, ont fait perdre toute raison », a dénoncé le délégué. Le Rwanda a de son côté évoqué le génocide de 1994 qui continue d’avoir des répercussions. Les génocidaires se sont regroupés dans l’est de la RDC, ciblant les Tutsis congolais, a-t-il dénoncé en expliquant combien la situation est instable en raison des groupes armés qui y sont présents. Le groupe génocidaire FDLR présente un risque pour le Rwanda, a fustigé le délégué, avant de marquer son soutien aux processus de Luanda et de Nairobi, tout en déplorant le manque de volonté politique de la RDC de faire cesser le conflit. Le représentant de la RDC a réagi en faisant observer que les conséquences du génocide de 1994 se sont davantage manifestées en RDC, puisqu’on compte 15 millions de morts dans le pays depuis 1994, contre un total de 800 000 morts au Rwanda, y compris les autres ethnies donc pas seulement les Tutsis. Il a aussi rappelé que le génocide rwandais est parti de la mort du Président rwandais de l’époque dont l’avion fut abattu par des Tutsis. De plus, il a expliqué que les Wazalendo sont des jeunes patriotes congolais qui ont souffert de la guerre et qui, aujourd’hui, n’ont pour seul but que de protéger le territoire de leur pays. De ce fait, des gens qui se défendent de l’agression ne sont pas des forces négatives et encore moins des groupes rebelles, a-t-il analysé. La RDC continue à souscrire aux efforts régionaux notamment les processus de Luanda et de Nairobi, a poursuivi le délégué. Il a conclu en renouvelant sa demande au Conseil de sécurité d’appuyer ces processus en maintenant le maximum de pression sur le Rwanda et le M23. Le délégué a demandé que chaque pays de la région concernée mette en place des mécanismes et crée des conditions pour prendre en charge sur leurs territoires respectifs leurs propres rebelles, qui n’ont que trop écumé la RDC. Il faut que le Conseil de sécurité puisse demander à l’Envoyé spécial, à sa prochaine rencontre avec lui, de faire un rapport circonstancié sur cette question précise, a-t-il suggéré. À l’intention des organes d’information. Document non officiel.

24.04.2024 21:20 Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Uganda Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached file. 24 April 2024 As prepared for delivery Madam President, distinguished members of the Security Council, Special Envoy Xia, Thank you for this opportunity to brief the Council on the humanitarian situation in the Great Lakes region. This month we commemorate 30 years since the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, an atrocity that – in the words of the Secretary-General – is “a stain on our collective consciousness.” This milestone is a brutal reminder of the importance of sustained international attention and action where the situation demands it. Madam President, I will focus my remarks on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the country with the highest number of people in need in the world. I was struck, when I visited in February last year, by the scale and depth of this immense crisis. Since then, the crisis has deteriorated even further. As we have repeatedly warned the Council, the DRC is the most food insecure country in the world, with close to one in four Congolese – or 23.4 million people – experiencing acute hunger. It is also facing massive levels of displacement. More than 7.2 million people are now internally displaced. Between December 2023 and March 2024 alone, this increased by an alarming 700,000 people. Please allow me to zoom in on the situation in the three most affected provinces: South Kivu, North Kivu and Ituri. In South Kivu, the crisis is deepening as armed groups continue to strengthen their capacity and extend their presence, particularly in the “Haut Plateau” sections of Fizi and Uvira territories. Some 280,000 people have arrived in Minova in South Kivu since early February, fleeing fighting in North Kivu. In North Kivu, armed fighting, looting of health facilities, damage to schools, and severe restrictions on humanitarian access have exacerbated the plight of displaced people. More than 230,000 people were forced to flee their homes in February alone, many seeking refuge in Goma and its outskirts. As of March, more than 100 displacement sites have been created in and around Goma, hosting an overwhelming 630,000 people. Finally, in Ituri, inter-communal violence and attacks between the Zaire and CODECO armed groups have increased steadily over the past six months. Almost 200 attacks have taken place since the start of the year, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Across the three provinces, the presence of MONUSCO bases has until now provided a degree of protection for civilians. It has also played a critical role in facilitating humanitarian access. Against the backdrop of intensifying violence, humanitarian organizations are deeply concerned about the potential impact of MONUSCO’s ongoing withdrawal. Madam President, Allow me to highlight the particularly worrying impact of the crisis on women and children. Eastern DRC is today one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or a girl. In the overcrowded camps around Goma, often with no lighting, no privacy, inadequate hygiene facilities, and minimal safety measures, women and girls are exposed to atrocious levels of abuse. Reported cases of gender-based violence have soared: from 40,000 cases in 2021, to 78,000 in 2022. In 2023, this number reached 123,000, an increase of more than 300 per cent. It continues to rise. Tragically, underreporting and limited resources for survivor services mean the real numbers are likely far higher. The link between gender-based violence and the escalating conflict is unambiguous: two thirds of all cases have occurred in the three eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri. Despite these risks, we can only marvel at the determination and courage of Congolese women and women’s organizations – and today we have the privilege of having one of these women present with us. Madam President, The conflict has led to a significant increase in the dangers for children. This includes the recruitment and use of children – predominantly boys – by armed groups, as well as abduction, killing, maiming and sexual violence against children. Families are being forced into actions of last resort, including early and forced child marriage. Today, 37 per cent of girls in the DRC are forcibly married before the age of 18. Furthermore, the closure of at least 772 schools in 2023 has deprived more than 300,000 girls and boys of an education, with lasting impacts for them and the future of their country. Madam President, The repercussions of the conflict in DRC extend well beyond its borders. Around 1 million people have now sought refuge in neighbouring countries. More than half are in Uganda. Any further escalation in conflict would be extremely concerning for a region already grappling with numerous challenges. These include the spread of measles and cholera in DRC, which risk crossing over into neighbouring countries. As well as the continued impact of El Niño and above normal rainfall, both in the eastern part of DRC as well as in Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda. Madam President, The humanitarian community has stepped up its efforts in response to the escalating situation. From 16 June until the end of December last year, Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths activated a system-wide scale-up of the humanitarian response for North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri in DRC. Targeted efforts by our humanitarian colleagues on the ground meant that nearly 4 million people received humanitarian assistance across the three provinces between July and December 2023. And across the country, as of February this year, humanitarian organisations had already reached 2.6 million people with some form of support, with local women’s organisations playing a key role. But let me be clear: the humanitarian operation is dangerously overstretched. As in many places, our efforts are being severely limited by woefully inadequate funding. So far, we have received just 16 per cent of the $2.6 billion required to reach 8.7 million people in need in DRC in 2024. Madam President, As I witnessed during my visit last year, the people of DRC are astonishingly resilient. But they are being pushed to the brink of catastrophe by overwhelming challenges. They need our support. Urgent steps must be taken to resolve the conflict and avoid further deterioration of the situation in DRC, and across the region. After so many years, people in DRC – and in the Great Lakes region – deserve the opportunity to live in peace, and to build the safe, secure and prosperous lives that this richly abundant region promises. Thank you.

24.04.2024 21:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: International Organization for Migration Please refer to the attached file. Depuis le 20 mars 2024, une montée des eaux a été constatée au lac Tanganyika, à la marée de Niangara et aux débordements des rivières Mulongwe, Kalimabenge, Kamvimvira et Kabimba dans la ville d’Uvira, communes de Kalundu, Mulongwe et Kavinvira de la zone de santé d’Uvira. Ces inondations ont affecté sept quartiers , entraînant la destruction de biens, notamment des habitations et des terres agricoles avoisinantes. Les résidents touchés ont été contraints de se réfugier dans des zones non touchées situées dans les quartiers de Kavinvira, Kasenga, Kakombe, Rombe 1, Kimanga, Nyamyanda, Kalundu et Kabimba des communes de Kavinvira, Mulongwe et Kalundu à Uvira. Un total de 6 861 Ménages de 34 358 Individus déplacés internes dont 6 530 Ménages de 32x594 individus en familles d’accueils et 331 ménages de 1 764 Personnes dans les centres collectifs. Plus de 2 800 maisons ont été inondées lors de cet événement. Les dégâts se sont étendus à 17 écoles primaires, 20 écoles secondaires, 7 écoles maternelles et 3 universités, ainsi qu’à 9 églises locales. De plus, plus de 800 robinets d’eau potable ne fonctionnent plus correctement. Les inondations ont également touché 5 marchés importants . Les ports de Kalundu et de Kasenga ainsi que la plage Maendeleo ont été submergés par les eaux. Selon les estimations, plus de 120 hectares de terres agricoles ont été inondés.

24.04.2024 21:20 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: World Health Organization Please refer to the attached file. Situation épidémiologique : ▪ Epidémie de choléra : Au terme de la S13, 788 cas et 7 décès ont été notifiés dans 42 ZS comparativement aux 873 cas et 8 décès enregistrés dans 41 ZS dans 7 DPS à la S12, ceci équivaut à une baisse de près de 10,0% des cas entre les deux semaines. Cette baisse est généralisée dans 5/7 provinces ayant notifiés des cas suspects de choléra entre S12 et S13/2024 excepté dans la province du Sud-Kivu où l’on a enregistré une légère hausse ainsi qu’au Kasaï où 4 cas et décès ont été rapporté, soit une hausse de cas estimée à 300,0%. Ainsi, 11 815 cas et 192 décès ont été notifiés dans 79 ZS reparties dans les 13/26 provinces du pays. En outre, 2 nouvelles ZS ont notifié au moins un cas suspect de choléra au cours de la S13/2024, il s’agit de celles de Rwashi et Kambove dans la province du Haut-Katanga. Le PNECHOLMD et ses partenaires poursuivent les interventions de riposte sur le terrain. ▪ Epidémie de rougeole : Au total, 35 048 cas et 866 décès ont été rapportés dans 417 ZS de 26 provinces sur le territoire national. A l’issue de la S13/2024, 2 324 cas et 32 décès dans 191 ZS de 24 provinces, soit une légère baisse de 3,3% a été observé à comparer aux 2 249 cas et 35 décès qui ont été rapporté à la S12/2024 dans 173 ZS de 24 provinces. ▪ Epidémie de Mpox : Dans 42 ZS de 13 provinces, 349 cas suspects et 4 décès ont été rapporté à la S13 en opposition aux 272 nouveaux cas suspects et 12 décès notifié dans 41 ZS de 11 provinces à la S12, ce qui exprime une baisse de 28,3% de cas. Le cumul des cas enregistré depuis le début de l’année jusqu’à la S13/2024 est de 4 919 cas suspects dont 311 décès recensés dans 132 ZS de 19 provinces comparativement aux 2 053 cas suspects et 98 décès notifiés à la même période en 2023 dans 118 ZS de 19 provinces. Au terme de la réunion Régionale d'Urgence de Haut Niveau sur le Mpox en Afrique pour les pays touchés et ceux à haut risque , tenue du 11 au 13 avril 2024 à Kinshasa, quelques recommandations clés retenues sont celles de promouvoir une approche « une seule santé » et des mécanismes de réponse inclusifs et centrés sur la communauté, entreprendre les actions pour faciliter la coopération et la collaboration en particulier entre les Etats membres de l’union africaine en particulier ceux touchés par une épidémie de Mpox, échanger rapidement des informations sur les questions de préparation et de réponse d’intérêt commun conformément au RSI .

24.04.2024 12:40 Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached Infographic.