Democratic Republic of Congo – North Kivu Flash Update #1: New surge of violence in Masisi forced displacement to Goma (08 February 2024)

Over 135,000 violence-displaced people in Masisi moved to the city of Goma

On 7 February, clashes intensified in the highlands of Sake, Masisi territory, located some 25 km from Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.

Heavy weapon fire was reported in the vicinity of Sake, with three incidents of explosions from shells falling near homes, leaving four dead and several injured. This dire situation led to the massive displacement of residents and the people in IDP sites in Sake and surrounding areas towards Goma. Local sources report several people were accidentally shot while fleeing.

According to local civil society sources, around two-thirds of Sake's population (around 34,300 inhabitants in 2021) have been displaced to Goma. In addition, at least 26,000 displaced people from Shasha, Kirotshe, and Bweremana arrived in Sake between 2 and 3 February, and have displaced again displaced again to Goma. These new arrivals add to more than 75,000 displaced people in four displacement sites in Sake.

Humanitarian actors estimate that more than 135,000 displaced people have headed towards Goma between 2 and 7 February. However, the precise number of displaced people is yet to be determined. The surge of violence in Masisi territory has severely restricted humanitarian activities for 697,000 people displaced in Masisi since December 2023 (according to the NorthKivu Displacement Monitoring Matrix, January 2024).

The humanitarian community in Goma, along with local authorities, is facing immense pressure to shelter the displaced, as available space is limited.

The hostilities also impacted the road between Sake and Bweremana, a major route connecting the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. This situation will likely compromise food security and economic activities in Goma and surrounding areas. The city of Goma is at risk of isolation from the other territories of North Kivu. Goma has more than 2 million inhabitants, with at least 500,000 displaced people.

During an emergency meeting on 7 February, the Provincial Humanitarian Coordination (COHP) identified four priority sectors for immediate assistance to the displaced. These include food, shelter, water, hygiene and sanitation and essential household items.