Attachments
Crisis overview
Since August 2016, armed clashes between militia loyal to tribal leader Kamuina Nsapu and Armed Forces of DRC (FARDC) have taken place in Kasai and Kasai-Central. Fighting intensified in mid-December. As of mid-January, over 600 deaths have been reported. 216,000 people – 36,000 households – have been displaced by fighting in the region since August 2016. The majority of these people have reportedly fled to villages in KasaiOriental and nearby forests. Their needs include food, shelter and NFIs, and protection. So far, the exact number of returnees, and their needs, have not been reported.
Key findings
Anticipated scope and scale
Clashes are expected to continue in Kasai, Kasai-Central, and Kasai-Oriental, driving further displacement and increasing humanitarian needs. The provincial governors are seeking a political solution.
Priorities for humanitarian intervention
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Food: People have lost the capacity to meet their immediate food needs, as they have fled their land. Fighting has destroyed crops and food stocks, affecting over 100,000 people. This is particularly a tactic used by Nsapu’s militia.
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Shelter and NFIs: At least 100 houses and basic infrastructure (schools, health centres) have been destroyed in fighting.
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Protection: Displaced populations are likely to be in need of psychosocial support, as grave human rights abuses by militia, including sexual violence, have been reported. Children are at risk of recruitment by militia.
Humanitarian constraints
Humanitarian access has deteriorated due to the conflict. Since mid-November 2016, roads in Kasai-Central have been inaccessible due to fighting and the presence of militia.
Limitations
- No exact figures on returnees.
- No information on sectoral needs of returnees.
- Lack of information on local and national response capacities.