Violence in South Kivu Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is escalating, leading to significant mass displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis. While hostilities in Goma City, North Kivu Province, are easing, South Kivu faces increasing unrest.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported a recent bombing in Nyabibwe town, approximately 60 kilometers north of Bukavu, South Kivu's provincial capital. The attack injured three civilians and damaged power infrastructure, highlighting the region's growing instability.
Ongoing clashes have forced thousands to flee active combat zones toward Bukavu, which remains under threat from the March 23 Movement (M23) armed group. This movement has intensified the insecurity, pushing more residents to seek safety away from the violence.
Humanitarian efforts are strained as UN partners assess the dire conditions around Goma, where hundreds of thousands continue to relocate. The situation worsened when three NGO workers were killed in a bombing in North Kivu, leading to the suspension of vital food and agriculture assistance in the area.
According to OCHA, nearly 33,000 people have returned to villages in Nyiragongo Territory, northeast of Goma, seeking refuge from the turmoil. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the severe impact on medical facilities in North Kivu. Many hospitals have been destroyed or are struggling to operate, disrupting essential services for conditions like cancer, diabetes, and mental health.
The collapse of healthcare infrastructure has also heightened the risk of infectious diseases. North Kivu has reported nearly 600 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths between January 1 and 27. Water supply disruptions in Goma have forced residents to depend on Lake Kivu’s water, increasing cholera risks despite partial restoration of services.
In response, WHO has deployed emergency medical supplies, hygiene and water treatment kits, and tents to expand hospital capacity by 1,000 beds. However, these supplies are depleting rapidly, and the need for additional resources remains critical to address the ongoing health and humanitarian challenges.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
