Mass Displacements Amid Spiralling Violence in DR Congo
Locals are leaving their bases for more protected areas following recurring cases of violent attacks in North Kivu.
Scores of people have been displaced from Nyiragongo in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), following the unrelenting spate of conflicts in the territory.
Several families of the Rusayo tribal group, especially from the Kanzana and Kabale Katambi villages, left their bases on May 12, heading towards Goma and Sake, after repeated violent attacks on their homes and properties.
One of the fleeing women who spoke to HumAngle on the condition of anonymity said she escaped from her home after assailants invaded her home seven times in two weeks.
āI am from Kanzana village, and I have been a victim of repeated theft by presumed bandits. Within only two weeks, my house was raided seven times. These bandits have a well-established modus operandi: when they enter someoneās house to steal, they first announce their intentions, explaining that it is hunger that has pushed them to behave so. They demand to take all that one owns by particularly insisting on money. If by some bad luck one has nothing to give them, and especially if one is a woman, they would not hesitate to rape you,ā she revealed.
āSince last February, my husband was abducted by these same individuals, and I have not heard any news about him. This situation is becoming unbearable, so I decided to escape with my children to avoid being exterminated.ā
Another displaced person finding his way to Goma said he had lost his brother and child during an armed incursion on April 4, in Kabale Katambi. He said he was again attacked last week before he finally decided to leave the village.
āThey burst into my house on Thursday morning of last week. They asked for money, and I gave all that I had, including my telephone, so that they would not kill me. Unfortunately, they shot my neighbour in the arm before taking him away. Since then, we do not know where he is,ā the man lamented.
āSeveral cases of insecurity are reported in our village between Kabale, Katambi and Kanzana. Most of those who come to terrorise us here are Wazalendo elements and Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, who are still hiding in the forest near Mudja. Today, I also decided to run away for some time to be safe. I am not alone as I am going with my family. One never knows what can happen.ā
These accounts were corroborated by Kabumba Mazanga Butros, a man from the Mudja tribal group, who spoke of massive displacements. He has appealed to the authorities to reinforce security in that part of Nyiragongo territory.
The massive displacement is prompted by the increasing violence. On April 5, 11 civilians were executed while taking their breakfast in the village of Kabale Katambi. Most recently, on the night of May 11 and 12, four members of the same family were burned alive by unidentified gunmen.
Faced with this mounting insecurity, the administrator of the Nyiragongo territory installed by the M23/AFC has taken a series of restrictive measures prohibiting the circulation of motorbikes after 9 p.m. Heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles carrying cargo have also been banned at night. These measures aim at restricting night movements, which are most times exploited by criminals.
According to a report by the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), criminality within the region of Goma and Nyiragongo has witnessed an increase since the advance of the M23/AFC rebels supported by Rwanda. UNOCHA specifically cites the violent clashes of April 9 in the localities of Mutaho, Mujoga and Karungu in Nyiragongo territory, which humanitarian toll is still difficult to ascertain.
The UN agency has initiated an assessment among 10,500 displaced individuals from 2,388 households, currently sheltered in 53 collective centres around Goma. The goal is to understand their intentions regarding a potential return to their homes amidst escalating violence.
The ongoing violence in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to the displacement of numerous families, particularly from the Rusayo tribal group in villages like Kanzana and Kabale Katambi.
Many have fled to Goma and Sake due to repeated attacks, theft, and abductions, with victims reporting incidents such as home invasions and sexual assaults. Recent violence includes the execution of 11 civilians and the burning alive of four family members by unidentified gunmen.
In response, local authorities have implemented restrictive measures, limiting vehicle movement at night to curb criminal activities. A report by UNOCHA highlights the increasing criminality linked to M23/AFC rebels, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, and the UN is assessing the intentions of 10,500 displaced individuals sheltered around Goma about returning home. Efforts are ongoing to improve security and manage the humanitarian impact in the region.
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