DRC — North Kivu: M23 Crisis Analysis (11 June 2024)

The eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in particular North Kivu, is in the grip of an increasingly complex and persistent conflict. This conflict is characterized by the presence of various armed groups such as the M23 group, the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and their respective allies. The expansion of the conflict during the first six months of 2023 has led to substantial displacement of civilians, a sharp increase in the presence of armed actors in North Kivu, the loss of human life and significant damage to infrastructure and property. The population of destabilized towns in the border region between the provinces of North and South Kivu has increased the number of displacements. Despite widespread calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict from regional and international actors, joint efforts to facilitate dialogue and negotiate ceasefires have regularly been disrupted.

From 30 April to 28 May 2024, the context was characterized by an expansion of the fighting in North Kivu, with the use of heavy munitions causing significant damage and loss of life in the displacement sites around Goma and Minova in South Kivu province. All the areas affected are suffering from a lack of resources and economic opportunities, as well as insecurity caused by the proliferation of weapons. Clashes have continued both in areas already controlled by the M23 and in those controlled by the government and its allies leading to considerable disruption to daily life and a dangerous environment for local communities as well as the delivery of much needed humanitarian assistance in many areas.

The recent spontaneous clashes on several front lines have affected Masisi territory in the Mupfunyi-Shanga, Kamuronza, Bahali-Mokoto, Mupfunyi-Kibabi and Mupfunyi-Matanda groupements, the Osso-Banyungu sector, and Rutshuru territory in the Mutanda and Kanyabayonga groupements. The local population, displaced persons staying with host families and recent returnees have been forced to move again or to engage in pendular displacement.

Since the beginning of the crisis, IOM through the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) continues to conduct a series of rapid assessments, including emergency event tracking (EET/ERM), crisis analysis and registration with a priority to respond to immediate information needs in order to understand displacement dynamics and needs.

This report presents the results of the assessments carried out in the various areas of displacement and return from 30 April to 28 May 2024.