MSF launches emergency intervention in North Kivu, eastern DRC amid fighting
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In December 2024, fighting between the Congolese armed forces and the M23 armed group resumed in Lubero territory, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The fighting has led to major population movements to the north and south of the front line, which is approaching the town of Lubero. Following emergency interventions in the area in 2023 and 2024, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams are once again intervening to support local health structures and provide basic supplies to the displaced
Virginie Napolitano is emergency project coordinator for MSF in Lubero. She talks about the context, the displacement of people and MSF’s activities.
1. What is the situation in the ‘Grand Nord’ of North Kivu province, and more particularly in Lubero territory, where MSF teams have resumed their activities?
There has been a lull throughout the territory since August 2024, following the ceasefire agreed upon on 31 July 2024, between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda as part of the Luanda peace process. Despite frequent violations of this ceasefire by the parties to the conflict, the front lines remained stable. But, in December the clashes resumed, with greater intensity. Starting in the Luofu area, they spread southwards into Masisi territory and northwards into Lubero territory. Supported by Rwanda according to the UN1, the M23 armed group made rapid progress and expanded its territory, taking Alimbongo, on the outskirts of Lubero, in mid-December.
Unfortunately, as is often the case, it is the civilian population that is paying the heaviest price.
Civilians are forced to flee the combat zones in haste, leaving everything behind. This is the third wave of displacement in the area since the start of the year. Figures are approximate, but it is estimated that more than 290,000 people have been displaced throughout Lubero territory, including 70,000 in Lubero-Centre and 30,000 in Kipese2.
In recent days, residents have had to leave areas close to the front lines at the request of the regular armed forces, in anticipation of further fighting. The bombardments are intense and being carried out by all the militants; the Congolese army is also using helicopter gunships and fighter planes. The displacement of people comes on top of those linked to the atrocities committed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist armed group, which has been terrorising the population for over ten years.
2. Displaced people are welcomed and accommodated by local communities. What are the consequences for the latter and what does the future hold for those displaced
Most displaced people are taken in by relatives and host families. Some, unfortunately isolated, are forced to take shelter in houses under construction or abandoned. Unlike other areas of North Kivu, such as around Goma, internally displaced people’s camps are not common here. Members of the community open the doors of their homes to people who are displaced. Solidarity is the order of the day. The host families are already affected by the rise in prices and the disruption of the usual supply channels, cut off by the front line. They share what little they have.
Some of the displaced people we met told us that there is not enough food and that they are suffering from the cold because Lubero is at an altitude of almost 2,000 metres. They say they lack mattresses and blankets and they sleep on the floor, in the living rooms or kitchens of their hosts. Most of the displaced people are women and children: the men have often stayed behind to look after their belongings or seek a source of income.
Local healthcare is subject to a fee, which places an additional financial burden on host families. Patients revert to self-medication and traditional healers, which can lead to medical complications.
3. What activities is MSF managing to carry out in this context?
Initially, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, MSF opened up access to primary healthcare for the entire population in two health centres, in Lubero-Cité and Kipese. We also cover the cost of hospitalisation for children aged between one month and 15 years. We support outpatient therapeutic nutrition programmes and those at Lubero General Hospital.
The teams are also working to reinforce routine vaccination for all, an initiative of the Ministry of Health, aimed at avoiding epidemics, particularly measles. We have donated dressings and medicines, and are planning training to stabilise wounded patients before they are transferred to other facilities. The health centres close to the front line are closed, but care for the war-wounded is provided on the front line by military hospitals and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
We are working to improve access to water in health facilities and in one of the few sites for displaced people, Magasin, which has around 300 households.
Dealing with sexual violence is also one of our priorities, given the increase in the number of cases.
