According to the OCHA report, clashes between armed groups have resumed in the Masisi territory since early January 2024, following a brief lull. The humanitarian context continues to deteriorate, with massive population displacements and human rights violations. Despite the volatile context, humanitarian actors have maintained their presence and continue to provide a response to the needs of the affected populations.

In the territory of Masisi, recurrent fighting between rebel groups has resulted in at least eight civilians killed since mid-December, leading to population displacement to several localities, including Kitshanga (Bashali chieftaincy) and Mushebere (Bwito chieftaincy, Rutshuru territory), as well as to the hills overlooking Sake towards Bweremana, Shasha, and Sake in North Kivu and Minova in South Kivu. According to the Congolese Red Cross, more than 72,000 displaced persons now live in extremely precarious conditions due to overcrowding caused by the influx of new displaced people to villages located along the Sake-Bweremana axis. The number of arrivals is also increasing in Rubaya. Humanitarian needs are becoming increasingly urgent for the displaced populations in the Kirotshe health zone. In addition, the growing pressure on Sake, which has around 10,000 displaced households spread across four displacement sites, is also leading to population movements towards the sites in the city of Goma, which are already saturated.

In the territory of Beni, there has been an uptick in deadly attacks against civilian populations. Since December 15, at least 26 civilians have been killed in attacks and clashes in several villages. According to civil protection actors, 518 people were killed by armed men in 240 incidents recorded in 2023 in the territories of Beni and Lubero in North Kivu.

In the Rutshuru territory, the protection situation of civilians remains a concern, despite a calm observed since early January. Between January 3 and 11, armed men kidnapped 13 people. Additionally, several local civil society sources have reported targeted killings against civilians in the Bukombo and Bambo groupings. According to some local sources, a conflict between herders and farmers on the outskirts of Rutshuru center escalated into a clash on the evening of Tuesday, January 2, resulting in several injuries. This emerging conflict between farmers and herders constitutes a new factor of social instability and deteriorating protection context for civilians in Rutshuru.

In the Nyiragongo territory and the city of Goma, the activities of elements of armed groups in displaced persons sites are a concern for humanitarian actors. These armed elements have been accused of several cases of civilian kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, and various forms of harassment reported in the displacement sites.

At least two displaced persons have already been killed in the sites and their surroundings in Goma and the Nyiragongo territory since the beginning of January.

In the Walikale territory, the Hombo settlement was severely affected by flooding following heavy rains on January 7, 2024. Humanitarian and local sources estimate that more than 24,000 people were affected by the floods, equivalent to nearly 9,000 households in 12 health areas.

Material damage is extensive, and losses are significant. Part of the Hombo Nord Health Center was partially destroyed by runoff water, and at least nine small river crossing bridges were washed away. Local authorities also confirmed the loss of numerous domestic animals swept away by the waters and the destruction of crop fields due to the flooding. A team from the NGO MEDAIR arrived in the area on January 12, 2024, to assess the situation.

Gisèle Tshijuka