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Displacement trends, May 2025
- A 10.5% decrease in displaced households was recorded in May 2025 compared to the previous month, based on alerts reported during the period. A total of 125,887 displaced households were identified across the five eastern provinces of the DRC. North Kivu recorded 76,172 displaced households, followed by South Kivu with 22,178, Ituri with 19,267, and Tanganyika with 8,269.
- A slight decline in return movements was observed, with 9.8% of households (12,389) returning to their localities during May, mainly in Djugu, Rutshuru, and Lubero. Instability persists in areas under M23 control, with armed clashes—particularly in western Rutshuru territory and South Kivu—continuing to drive new population displacements.
- North Kivu was the most affected province, mainly due to the M23 crisis, reflecting ongoing instability in areas under the group’s control. Return movements are still occurring, notably in the Birambizo health zone.
- In South Kivu, only new displacements were reported, with no return movements, reflecting a high level of instability. These displacements were triggered by clashes between Wazalendo and the M23, as well as fighting between Wazalendo (backed by the FARDC) and the Gumino-Twirwaneho, and flooding caused by rising waters of Lake Tanganyika in Fizi.
- In Ituri, recent displacements in Djugu territory were mainly linked to a worsening security situation. Key factors include CODECO attacks on civilians, clashes between CODECO and the UPDF along the Fataki–Djugu center axis, threats and attacks by the Zaire armed group, and fighting between the Popular Convention for Revolution (CPR) militia of Thomas Lubanga and the FARDC. Rising intercommunal tensions prompted the organization of an intercommunity dialogue at the end of the month in Fataki, bringing together leaders and representatives of different communities.
- In Tanganyika, displacements were mainly due to flooding caused by the rising waters of Lake Tanganyika in Kalemie territory, as well as an economically motivated attack by Wazalendo elements from Maniema against Banyamulenge herders in Kongolo territory.
- The province of Maniema did not report any population displacements during the period.