Displacement Surges Amid Renewed Clashes in DR Congo
Amid rising humanitarian needs, local sources said affected communities have gotten no government intervention.
The continuous clashes between the M23 rebels and the security forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have caused massive displacements and unrest in various communities. Thousands have sought refuge in Ngungu, located in the Bahunde area of the Masisi Territory in North Kivu.
Displaced families arriving in central Ngungu are facing increasingly difficult situations and strained reception from local residents. Humanitarian workers in the area told HumAngle that the continued influx of displaced people is putting overwhelming pressure on host households in Ngungu.
“Receiving families share the little they have with arriving families, but the situation is becoming untenable,” a humanitarian worker who asked for anonymity for security reasons said. “In several quarters of Ngungu, modest households are currently obliged to welcome three extra families, and promiscuity, lack of food, and insufficient potable water are complicating the daily lives of the displaced persons, who are composed mostly of women and children.”
Local sources said affected communities have received no government intervention, as individuals survive through communal solidarity in an already fragile economic situation.
Community leaders said they have reached out to humanitarian organisations for urgent assistance. Their immediate priorities include distributing food and essential supplies, ensuring access to clean drinking water, and providing healthcare for vulnerable individuals.
“Despite their own personal difficulties, the inhabitants of Ngungu continue to show proof of solidarity towards the displaced persons. The people are organising communal initiatives to share food and temporary shelter,” a local community leader revealed.
Local civic actors stress that while solidarity is commendable, it cannot sustain itself in the long term without structured external assistance. Given the profound needs and increasing vulnerability of displaced persons, the residents of Ngungu are hopeful for a swift response from humanitarian partners to prevent a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in North Kivu.
The ongoing conflict between M23 rebels and DRC security forces has led to significant displacement, with thousands seeking refuge in Ngungu, Masisi Territory, North Kivu. The influx has strained local resources, as residents, despite their limited means, share what they have with displaced families, primarily women and children, leading to overcrowding and scarce access to essentials such as food and potable water.
No government support has reached these communities, necessitating reliance on communal solidarity. Community leaders have requested urgent intervention from humanitarian organizations to address pressing needs like food, clean water, and healthcare. Although the local population is organizing efforts to provide support, leaders emphasize that external assistance is critical to sustain these efforts and prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation.
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