In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the humanitarian situation is increasingly deteriorating. At least 186,000 people, including at least 23,000 between Thursday 20 and Sunday 23 October, have fled the fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. Hostilities began in March 2022 in Rutshuru territory (North Kivu) in the east of the country.
Recent confrontations between FARDC and M23 rebels in the localities of Rangira, Rwanguba and Ntamugenga resulted in a large wave of displaced people from Thursday to Sunday 23 October. Of those who fled the fighting, at least 2,500 crossed the Ugandan border.
The United Nations, through its Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA/DRC), is concerned about the resumption of fighting in the territory of Rutshuru alone, where more than 396,000 people have been displaced by the armed conflicts that have shaken the region.
Need for further support
In a report published on Sunday 23 October, OCHA fears that the closure of the economically important Rutshuru-Goma (North Kivu) road will lead to further obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in need in Rutshuru-Kiwanja.
Nevertheless, the organisation reassures that the situation will be closely monitored and outlines the need for further assistance to cope with the influx of these displaced people.
Loss of life recorded after the confrontation
According to a provisional balance sheet drawn up by the military authorities, the confrontations that have broken out since Thursday 20 October between the army and the M23 have left four people dead and 40 injured. The victims also include children.
On Sunday 23 October 2022, local sources indicate that intense fighting was recorded in the locality of Ntamugenga. The locality of Ntamugenga fell into enemy hands thanks to the support of elements of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), another rebel group.
On Monday 24 October, there was an apparent calm. But an independent source testifies that the army has retreated some 3 kilometres from central Ntamugenga, while activities there remain paralysed.
