In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in North Kivu, a prolonged and increasingly complex conflict persists, characterized by the presence of numerous armed actors such as the M23 group and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and their respective allies. This situation has led to widespread instability and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in North Kivu province. The ongoing hostilities have led to significant displacement of the local population, many of whom have been forced to flee their homes, further exacerbating an already dire situation. The conflict has created an urgent need for large-scale humanitarian aid, but the response remains inadequate to meet the immense needs due to a lack of resources and difficulties in delivering aid due to instability and dangerous conditions on the ground.

Since January 2024, the M23 group, supported by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) group, has launched intensified attacks against positions belonging to the FARDC and their allies, resulting in the expansion of the M23 group's zone of influence through the capture of major towns and villages in the Rutshuru and Masisi territories. This escalation has led to a proliferation of armed individuals, bringing FARDC military positions closer to displacement sites near Goma, exacerbating, in addition to humanitarian needs, loss of life, injuries, growing criminal activity and massive displacement of vulnerable populations. The territories of Rutshuru and Masisi are currently suffering the most serious consequences of this conflict.

In early March 2024, renewed hostilities broke out in Rutshuru territory involving the Mutanda and Kihondo groups in the villages of Nyanzale, Kirima, Kikuku and Kibirizi, leading to the occupation of several villages including Kibirizi, Nyanzale, Kirima, Kikuku, Kihondo, Mutanda, Somikivu, Bwalanda/Mine, Kashalira, Kibingu, Kabanda, and Vitshumbi by the M23 armed group. Simultaneously, from March 7 to 9, clashes broke out in Masisi territory encompassing the Bashali Mokoto groupement, the village of Kashuga, Kalembe and adjacent areas, leading to a reinforcement of control in the territories surrounding Goma and further isolation of the city considered the capital of North Kivu.

Since the onset of the crisis, IOM, through the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) continues to conduct a series of rapid assessments, including Emergency Tracking (EET/ERM), Crisis Analysis and Registration with priority to address immediate information needs with a view to understanding displacement dynamics and needs.

This report presents the results of assessments carried out in the various displacement and return areas from March 1 to 13, 2024.

Mjesečni pregled:

• Dolasci na Zapadni Balkan
• Tri najzastupljenije nacionalnosti u izvještajnom mjesecu
• Prisustvo migranata u prihvatnim centrima
• Potpomognuti dobrovoljni povratak i reintegracija

Месечен преглед на:

• Пристигнувања во Западен Балкан
• Топ три националности на лица кои пристигнале во месецот на известување
• Присуство на мигранти во прифатните објекти

Доброволно асистирано враќање и реинтеграција

Përmbledhje mujore të:

• Arritjet në Ballkanin Perëndimor
• Tre kombësitë kryesore të arriturëve
• Prania e migrantëve në qendrat pritëse
• Kthimet vullnetare dhe të asistuara

• Floods, accidents, drought, landslides and heavy winds accompanied by hailstorms were the major hazard events reported in the month of April.
• The disasters affected a total of 19,311 individuals, representing 3,857 households while 552 individuals from 394 households were internally displaced.
• Adults (19 - 64 years) were the most affected population group(61%), followed by children under 18 years (31%) and the elderly who are above 64 years(8%).
• The most pressing needs are water supply, health and food assistance.
• 212 individuals were injured, 527 houses were completely destroyed, 98 water facilities damaged and 3 health facilities were damaged.
• There is notable increase of effects of disasters on the population from January to April. This brings the total number of individuals affected in 2023 to 31,287.

Monthly Overview of:

• Arrivals in the Western Balkans
• Top three nationalities at arrivals in the reporting month
• Migrants presence in reception facilities
• Assisted Voluntary Returns and reintegration

• During the reporting period, drought was reported in the Teso subregion mainly in Katakwi, Amuria and Kapelabyong districts.
• Fires were experienced in Amuria, Wakiso and Ntungamo while hailstorms were reported in Tororo.
• Disasters in February affected a total of 2,890 individuals, representing 494 households and 198 individuals from 51 households were internally displaced.
• Adults (19-64 years) were the most affected population group (71%), followed by children under 18 years (21%) and the elderly who are above 64 years (8%).
• The most pressing needs are food assistance, livelihood and water supply.
• 56 houses were completely destroyed, 54 water facilities and 2 schools were also affected.
• Following the start of March, April and May (MAM) rainfall season, natural disasters are expected to occur and the public is advised to take precautionary measures.

• In February 2024, floods were reported in the Bukedea district, heavy storms in Lira, Kyotera, Kalangala and Mbale and fires in Mamisidwa and Obongi.
• The impacts of the hazards affected 3,935 individuals (993 households) with 1,525 people from 271 households were internally displaced.
• Adults between 18 and 64 years were the most affected age group (55%), followed by children below 18 (43%) and elderly above 64 (2%). Notably, more than half of affected people were female (54%).
• Urgent needs identified include sanitation, non-food items, food assistance and livelihood promotion.
• Infrastructure damage assessed indicates that 195 houses were completely destroyed, 131 houses were partially damages, 40 water facilities were affected and also 4 schools and 3 health facilities were adversely affected.
• In January 2024, 1,654 individuals were affected bringing the 2024 accumulation to 5,589 individuals.