The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains tense, with violence escalating in South Kivu province, leading to widespread displacement.
While hostilities in Goma City, located in North Kivu province, have somewhat eased, fresh clashes in South Kivu are forcing thousands to flee their homes. Many are heading towards Bukavu, the provincial capital, as concerns grow over a potential attack by M23 rebels.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that a bombing in the town of Nyabibwe, situated around 60 kilometres north of Bukavu, injured three civilians and caused damage to power infrastructure.
The ongoing violence has resulted in civilian casualties, further worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
In North Kivu, humanitarian workers continue to assess the conditions in Goma, where hundreds of thousands remain displaced. However, the volatile situation has made relief efforts increasingly difficult.
According to the UN, three aid workers from non-governmental organisations lost their lives in a bombing in the region, leading to the suspension of food and agricultural assistance. The loss of such crucial aid has left vulnerable communities without essential support.
Despite the challenges, some displaced individuals have begun returning to their villages. Estimates suggest that nearly 33,000 people have gone back to their homes in Nyiragongo Territory, located just northeast of Goma.
However, the return is fraught with difficulties, as many areas remain insecure and essential services are yet to be restored.
The health crisis in North Kivu continues to be a growing concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that numerous medical facilities in the region have been either destroyed or are struggling to resume operations.
Health services for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and mental health issues are severely affected, as medical supplies have run out. The shortage of healthcare workers has further complicated the situation, with many either absent or overwhelmed by the increasing number of patients.
The risk of infectious diseases has risen sharply. Cholera, malaria, measles, meningitis, mpox, and tuberculosis are among the major health threats affecting the population. Between 1 and 27 January, nearly 600 suspected cases of cholera were recorded in North Kivu, with 14 deaths reported.
The situation is made worse by disruptions in the water supply in Goma, which has forced many residents to rely on water from Lake Kivu. This has increased the risk of further cholera outbreaks due to the consumption of unsafe water.
In response to the crisis, the WHO has deployed emergency medical supplies, hygiene kits, and water treatment equipment. Additional tents have been provided to expand hospital capacity by 1,000 beds.
However, the demand for resources remains high, and supplies are being used up quickly. More humanitarian assistance is urgently needed to prevent the crisis from worsening further.
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