DR Congo: OCHA North Kivu Situation Report - 06 Sep 2007

Fears of the international community in North Kivu, as reflected in the up-dated Contingency Plan for the province from July 2007, have started to materialize. The intense confrontations in Masisi last week mark a new reality in the province. While humanitarians face increased challenges to access and respond to the growing needs, tens of thousands of new displacements are reported to have taken place in the last week.

Background:

Since August, existing tensions among elements loyal to renegade General Laurent Nkunda and those loyal to the government within the mixed brigades intensified and were exacerbated by calls made by the FARDC (Congolese armed forces) for all mixed brigades to join the brassage (army reintegration) process. These tensions culminated in the attacks that were initiated on 27 August, in the Masisi territory, opposing Nkunda-loyal elements against government-loyal forces of the same brigade. These clashes have resulted in the regrouping of armed forces on both sides leading to the disintegration of the mixed brigades. The FARDC are currently sending reinforcements to replace positions previously occupied by these brigades but large areas of the territory remain under dissident control. In areas such as Katuguru, Nyamilima and Kishasha, previously under the control of the FARDC, troops movements due to the realignment of troops has left vacuums that the FDLR (Forces démocratiques pour la libération du Rwanda) are being quick to take control of. As Nkunda-loyal elements reiterate their refusal to enter the brassage process, risks of further clashes between the GoDRC and the dissidents remains high. The humanitarian implications of these confrontations could be the worse registered since the war ended in 2003.

New developments:

Following days of intense clashes in Masisi from 27 to 30 August, the situation improved slightly is still very tense.

On the 30 August, large numbers of people were reported to be leaving Masisi in the direction of Nyabyondo. An inter-agency mission was planned for 4 September but was delayed due to weather conditions and is now scheduled for 6 September.

On 31 August, staff from 3 INGOs working in Masisi were evacuated by MONUC after having spent days in a MONUC compound to avoid armed clashes. An MSF-B staff remained in the area to support the activities of the Masisi Hospital that is receiving the wounded.

On 31 August, clashes were reported in Ngungu causing the massive displacement of the population of Ngungu, northwards, towards Mushaki and east towards the Lake Kivu. The population of Ngungu is estimated at 10 000 inhabitants, most of which have fled. Further clashes in Katale-Bihambwe caused additional displacements towards Mushaki.

MONUC has decided to remove its MOB (Mobile Operation Base) from Mushaki as the area is considered a likely target of further attacks despite the thousands of IDPs (estimates suggest 2100 IDPs staying in host families and many others occupying public buildings) gathering in the area. MONUC has informed the population of the high risk of military operations taking place in the area.

Moreover, in Sake, which is also receiving new IDPs, the population was reportedly fleeing the city towards Minova and Goma. According to local authorities one third of the 26 000 inhabitants of the city preventively fled due to rumours of imminent attacks.

Since 4 September, heavy fighting was reported in Kimoka (5 km from Sake) causing more people to flee the area.

The road from Sake to Masisi remains closed.

Humanitarian implications:

Tens of thousands of new IDPs are estimated to have fled various areas in Masisi since 27 August. Attempts to register these newly displaced and obtain more accurate figures are ongoing. However, preventive short-term displacements, multiple displacements from one area to another, and restricted access makes the task very difficult.

Humanitarian access is increasingly restricted and various humanitarian needs assessments were cancelled due to lack of guarantees from all parties to ensure the security of humanitarian staff.

The protection of displaced populations is becoming ever more challenging as displaced flee towards areas controlled by armed forces based on ethnic affiliation. This sets the stage for increased ethnic conflict. IDPs in Mushaki, for example, being mostly ethnic Tutsis, risk being targeted.

Looting and pillaging of the population continues. Cases of sabotage of public installations (such as the hydro-electric factory in Rutchuru as well as the Vodacom/Celtel networks) were also reported.

The local population is starting to suffer the effects of insecurity in terms of access to food and basic services.

Moreover, as was the case of the Masisi hospital, medical stocks are running out.

Humanitarian response:

Registration and needs assessments of new IDPs continue.

Distribution of NFI kits and food assistance to registered IDPs in areas accessible will start as soon as security as guaranteed.

MSF-B rented a helicopter and is provisioning the hospital on a daily basis.

WHO sent surgical materials and medicines to the Masisi hospital with a MONUC flight to care for the injured (43 cases reported so far, some evacuated to Goma).

WFP has sent food to Masisi Hospital for injured and for the SCUK child centre.

ICRC carried out a support mission to the hospital of Kitchanga and Mweso, medical materials have been pre-positioned for further needs. They are also currently carrying an evaluation of IDP needs in Minova-Kalehe

Meanwhile, HCR, the Governor of the province and the Ministry of Reintegration have agreed to create an IDP site near Lac Vert that will be called Bulengo. This site has an estimated IDP population of 9115 people, which is growing by the day. This is the first site being established by humanitarians in the province. On the site, the following activities are taking place/being planned:

- Nutritional screening by Caritas/SC/ECC/BCZ/PRONANUT under UNICEF's leadership

- Distribution of BP5 to cases of malnutrition, and referral to CNT when necessary.

- Possibility of establishing a CNS on site if the need is identified.

- Vaccination of children against measles and tenatus. Distribution of vitamin A.

- Construction of 30 tents for the elderly and vulnerable women.

- Registration of IDPs (will commence on Friday) and distribution of NFI kits on Saturday. WFP and Caritas will follow on Sunday with a distribution of food.

- NRC and HCR will carry out the follow up for victims of SGBV.

- On Thursday SC and UNICEF will carry out the registration of non-accompanied children and refer them to host families.

- A mechanism for water treatment of lake-water will be established on Friday and within a week; a pump to direct water towards the site will be functional.

- Temporary school classes will be established.

- HCR will facilitate the transport of materials for shelter construction.