The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says more than three million people displaced by conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have returned home since the start of this year.
In its latest report, OCHA says that in North Kivu Province alone, around two million people have gone back to their homes, though over one million remain internally displaced including nearly 500,000 who fled their homes this year.
In South Kivu, more than 600,000 people have returned, but an estimated 1.5 million remain displaced. Among them, over 550,000 were uprooted by fighting since January. Most of those returning in South Kivu have gone back to areas such as Minova, Kalehe, and Idjwi Island in Lake Kivu.
On social media platform X, Bertrand Bisimwa, a senior leader of the M23/AFC movement, claimed the group had resolved a “humanitarian crisis” by enabling the return of more than two million people. Following M23’s capture of the city of Goma in late January, several major displacement camps including Bulengo, Kimashini, Kanyaruchinya, and Lushagara were closed. These sites had hosted over a million people, many of whom had fled fighting between M23 and government forces since 2022 in Rutshuru, Masisi, and Lubero territories.
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Humanitarian organisations working in Goma and its outskirts condemned the mass return, alleging that many people were forcibly removed by M23 fighters. M23 leaders, however, accused aid groups of exploiting the displaced population for funding and job opportunities, claiming they were reluctant to see people go home.
Both North and South Kivu remain volatile, with frequent clashes between M23 now controlling large parts of both provinces and government-aligned militias, particularly groups known collectively as the Wazalendo.
Although both sides agreed last month to basic principles for a ceasefire, fighting continues to force thousands from their homes. OCHA reports that in North Kivu’s Masisi territory alone, around 44,000 people fled since July 13, with at least eight civilians killed in the violence.
In South Kivu, renewed clashes in the territories of Uvira, Walungu, and Kalehe are also driving displacement. The province has recorded the highest number of newly displaced people this year compared to other regions.
OCHA also reports alarming levels of sexual violence. On 1 August, at least 35 women and girls were abducted and raped by armed groups in three locations in Uvira territory, based on information from local health workers and officials.
While millions have managed to return to their homes, OCHA warns that many still face severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic services.
