DRC - Rapid and intense deterioration of the humanitarian situation in North Kivu, Beni (UN, DG ECHO)

Since 30 October 2019, the Congolese government has launched military operations in North Kivu, in the Beni territory, with the aim of neutralizing the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), one of the deadliest armed groups in eastern DRC, which emerged from an Islamist rebellion of Ugandan origin.

Since then, ADF attacks have been ongoing on the outskirts of the city of Beni. The attacks target the Congolese armed forces but also civilians, with multiple brutal killings. On 5 November, ten civilians including six women, were killed in an attack in Kokola. This first mass killing has been followed by many other abuses (murders, kidnappings, house fires, looting, etc.) on a daily basis since 15 November 2019. Some AFD attacks against the Congolese forces are claimed by Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP).

These attacks have humanitarian consequences with massive and forced population movements. According to UNHCR, a population movement towards Beni was observed on Monday 18 November with the arrival of at least 2,560 IDPs (91% of them being women and children). Population movements from the cities of Mbau and Oicha (north of Beni) to Beni continue, with civilians fleeing from areas of fighting and attack.