Thousands Displaced and Unassisted in Walikale, North Kivu

Thousands of people displaced by conflict are living in precarious conditions in the Walowa-Luanda groupment of Walikale territory, North Kivu, according to local sources. These individuals arrived approximately one week ago following the resurgence of armed confrontations in neighboring areas.

Currently, these vulnerable populations are not receiving any emergency humanitarian assistance. The displaced individuals are fleeing fighting between the AFC/M23 coalition and Wazalendo combatants in the Ufamando 1st and 2nd groupments of Masisi territory, as well as in Ziralo, Kalehe territory, South Kivu.

New arrivals have settled in various localities within Walowa-Luanda, including Busurungi, Lukaraba, Myanga-Katambira-Nyamimba, and Ombo. Many lack adequate shelter and are being hosted by local families whose resources are now severely strained. A significant number of displaced people are sleeping on the ground without bedding, and the food situation is also a major concern.

Maurice Bikoy Mukongo, the provincial deputy elected for Walikale, has appealed for urgent intervention from the government and humanitarian organizations. He highlighted that the displaced have been living in misery for a week and specifically requested the delivery of tarpaulins and food supplies. Local authorities and civil society organizations are increasingly concerned about a potential deterioration of the health situation if humanitarian actors do not respond promptly.