135,000 people displaced and millions of people at risk as clashes intensify in North Kivu, DR Congo

In the latest episode in a resurgence of fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 armed group that has forced thousands of people from their homes, 135,000 people have fled Sake towards the provincial capital Goma since 7 February. Some were already displaced in Zaina camp, on the outskirt of Sake, which was hit by a bomb explosion on 12 February.

“Attacks on IDP camps are not an isolated case, their frequency is such that people are constantly on the move” says Michel Paradis, DRC’s Country Director in DR Congo. “It is unthinkable that attacks are perpetrated on IDP camps, where people come in search of safety,” he adds.

The indiscriminate bombing and subsequent population displacement are putting additional pressure on the humanitarian infrastructure, which is already bursting at the seams due to the extraordinary scale of the needs and lack of funding – the province of North Kivu is already home to 2.5 million forcibly displaced people.

Not only does the violence upsurge the needs, but it also impedes humanitarian access to some of the people who need it the most. M23 has blocked the two mains roads to Goma, leaving limited options for safe passage and leading to a surge in food prices.

Yet, displaced families are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including protection, food, water and sanitation.

“Once again, civilians are bearing the brunt of the conflict. We are witnessing blatant violations of international humanitarian law. Under no circumstances, whatever the conflict, should civilians be targeted,” says Michel Paradis.

DRC is extremely concerned about the current situation, and in the strongest terms calls on all involved parties to uphold respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, and to protect civilians and humanitarian workers from violence in Masisi and eastern DR Congo more broadly.