The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that more than 130,000 people were displaced in May in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), due to ongoing armed conflict.
OCHA made this known on Tuesday in its latest monthly situation report.
According to the report, clashes between armed groups continue to intensify across several territories namely Rutshuru, Lubero, Masisi, Beni, and Walikale further worsening the already fragile humanitarian conditions in the region.
The report highlighted “multiple civilian casualties, widespread destruction of critical infrastructure, and the suspension of healthcare services affecting thousands of people,” while also noting that “humanitarian access remains severely restricted in many areas.”
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Despite the efforts of aid organisations, OCHA stated that urgent needs in shelter, sanitation, and civilian protection are still unmet.
The report also revealed that more than 4.19 million people in North Kivu are currently grappling with acute food insecurity.
It added that since January, security conditions in the eastern part of the country have “sharply deteriorated,” primarily due to renewed hostilities involving the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group.
The M23, the report noted, has captured several key towns, including Goma and Bukavu, triggering the displacement of hundreds of thousands and worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
