Escalating Violence Displaces Thousands In Eastern DR Congo

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned on Tuesday that the ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is uprooting families, crippling essential services and placing civilians at growing risk.

Fresh fighting in South Kivu province has forced communities to flee and left at least 10 civilians dead in Walungu territory alone, according to local authorities. “The violence is disrupting both economic life and the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid,” said OCHA.

Multiple rape cases
In nearby Kalehe, Minova hospital has reported multiple cases of rape and physical assault in recent days amid worsening insecurity.

Meanwhile, clashes in Fizi territory last week led to health centres being looted and schools burned, threatening already fragile public services.

OCHA urged all combatants to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians. “Humanitarian access must be safe and unhindered,” the agency stressed.

The surge in displacement comes as eastern DRC remains gripped by fighting between the M23 rebel group and government forces, particularly in North Kivu. Since January, the violence has displaced hundreds of thousands.

In Walikale territory, civilians are trapped in a dangerous cycle of displacement and return, OCHA said, calling for strengthened protection and support for affected communities.