DRC — North Kivu: M23 Crisis Analysis (16 October 2024)

The province of North Kivu faces ongoing conflict characterised by the presence of various armed actors, notably the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23), the Congo River Alliance (AFC), the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the regional forces of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The persistence of this conflict, the expansion of the M23’s area of influence, and the activity of other armed groups in and around the city of Goma (the capital of North Kivu province), have increased security and humanitarian challenges.

Joint efforts by regional and international players to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict and facilitate a dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda led to the signing of a ceasefire agreement on 30 July 2024. In spite of these efforts, and resulting ceasefire, the period from 15 August to 30 September 2024 was marked by attacks and clashes involving M23, government forces, and other armed groups throughout Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories. There have been frequent accusations by both sides accusing the other of ceasefire violations, which have provoked new displacement, secondary displacement, and the displacement of previously returned populations. The situation is aggravated by rivalries between the various armed groups fighting for control of localities against M23 expansion.

Prolonged displacement and limited access to humanitarian aid continue to exacerbate the complexity of the crisis and the situations of both displaced and returnee populations. Goma and the adjacent cities to both North and South Kivu are hosting large numbers of displaced people and lack the resources to provide them with sufficient support.

Since the beginning of the crisis, IOM, via the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), has continued to conduct rapid assessments in affected territories, including emergency monitoring (EET/ERM), crisis analysis, and registration, with the purpose of addressing immediate information needs surrounding displacement dynamics and humanitarian aid.

This report presents the results of the assessments carried out in the areas of displacement and return, between 30 July and 9 October 2024, linked to the ongoing M23 crisis.