by GIULIA RINDI
HUMANITARIAN SITUATION – Latest updates about the humanitarian situation in the DRC. Find the political, humanitarian and security highlights and the latest key figures and actions taken by UNICEF and its partners.
Highlights on the humanitarian situation
In anticipation of potential unrest linked to the end of President Kabila’s second term on 19 December 2016, there were large deployments of security forces in several cities. Clashes between the security forces and demonstrators resulted in at least 40 deaths in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi.
On 31 December 2016 the political parties, alongside main opposition groups, signed an agreement for a transition period with elections planned before the end of 2017.
In the three central Kasaï provinces there are estimated to be over 250,000 displaced persons following violent clashes between the national police, the DRC government forces (FARDC) and militia groups associated with a traditional chief, Kamuina Sapu.
In Tanganyika province, the conflict between Balubakat and Batwa has escalated with reports of over 225,000 new displaced from July – December.
Flash flooding the night of 26-27 December in the city of Boma in western Kongo Central province destroyed over 1,100 houses and killed at least 27 people. UNICEF responded within a few days with WASH, Health, and Non-Food Items support with government, Oxfam, and local Red Cross partners.
Key figures of the humanitarian situation in the DRC
– 225,211 newly displaced persons since July in Tanganyika province
–** 2.1 million internally displaced** persons
– 3,422 children formerly associated with armed forces/groups released and provided with assistance in 2016
– 446,919 people reached with essential household items via voucher fairs and distributions in 2016
– US$ 130 million : UNICEF Humanitarian Appeal 2016
– 48% of needed funds available
UNICEF & Clusters response
Full Humanitarian Situation Report
UNICEF DR Congo Humanitarian Sitrep, November-December 2016
_Translated from French by Marianne Min-Denhard _