The security situation in Kalehe territory, South Kivu, has deteriorated, causing new displacements of civilians. Several households fleeing clashes between the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN) rebels and the Forces armées de la République démocratique du Congo (FARDC), backed by wazalendo, in Bitale and Bulambika, have taken refuge in Hombo Sud, Hombo Nord, and surrounding villages.
The displaced persons, whose exact number is not yet known, are arriving in difficult conditions. Some are being hosted by local families, while others are seeking shelter in schools and churches due to a lack of suitable accommodations. Local civil society groups report that Hombo is now overwhelmed by the influx of people who have abandoned their villages to escape violence.
Most of these households have lost everything and are facing significant challenges, unable to meet their basic needs. The humanitarian needs of the displaced persons are becoming increasingly urgent, with requirements including food, shelter, medical assistance, and other essential items to cope with their precarious living conditions.
The local civil society in Hombo is calling on humanitarian organizations to intervene quickly, particularly through an urgent assessment of needs on the ground, to organize adapted assistance for affected families. They also highlight that the hosting capacity of local families is limited, as they themselves are weakened by the persistence of insecurity in the region.
This new wave of displacements is adding to the humanitarian pressure in Kalehe territory, where armed clashes continue to force civilians to abandon their homes in search of safer areas. After launching an offensive, FRN rebels have successively taken control of the towns of Bitale and Bulambika, putting pressure on Hombo, which opens the way to Walikale or Tshopo.
The FRN rebels' occupation of Bitale and Bulambika has led to a significant influx of displaced persons into Hombo, with many facing dire humanitarian needs. The situation is further complicated by the limited capacity of local families to host displaced persons, highlighting the need for urgent humanitarian intervention.
The humanitarian crisis in Kalehe territory is escalating, with thousands of civilians displaced and in need of assistance. The international community and humanitarian organizations are urged to provide immediate support to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.
Key points
- Urgent humanitarian intervention is needed to address the needs of displaced persons in Hombo.
- FRN rebels' occupation of Bitale and Bulambika has led to a significant influx of displaced persons into Hombo.
- Local families' hosting capacity is limited, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
