Have Humanitarian Activities Been Halted in Congo's South Kivu Due to Clashes?
Synopsis
In light of recent violence in South Kivu, the UN has suspended all humanitarian efforts in Fizi and Baraka. Over 110,000 people have been displaced, with many crossing into Burundi and Tanzania. The UN is working to resume aid operations amidst rising health concerns, including cholera outbreaks.
Key Takeaways
Humanitarian activities in Fizi and Baraka are suspended.
Over 110,000 people have been displaced from their homes.
Many are seeking refuge in Burundi and Tanzania .
Reports of cholera outbreaks are emerging among the displaced population.
The UN is working to facilitate the safe movement of aid teams.
United Nations, Dec 17 (NationPress) In the wake of violent clashes across various regions of South Kivu province in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), all humanitarian efforts have been halted in the cities of Fizi and Baraka, as reported by a UN spokesperson.
The recent outbreak of violence has led to widespread fear among the local population, with UN partners also indicating instances of looting by armed groups, according to Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, during a daily briefing that referenced the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Local officials estimate that since December 8, approximately 110,000 individuals have been displaced within South Kivu, with many seeking refuge in Burundi and reports of others heading towards Tanzania, as noted by Haq.
Haq mentioned that OCHA is actively working with all relevant parties to ensure the secure movement of humanitarian teams and the resumption of aid operations.
Furthermore, more than 78,000 individuals, including asylum seekers, returnees, and migrants, have fled to Burundi from South Kivu since December 5, according to the UN Refugee Agency.
So far, around 15,000 individuals have been relocated to Bweru and Makombe displacement and transition sites in Burundi, with all refugee camps and hosting sites reporting a significant surge in population due to continuous new arrivals.
The spokesperson indicated that several cholera cases and two instances of mpox have been reported at the Gatumba displacement site, situated near the DRC border, with UN health partners striving to manage and contain these outbreaks, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
On December 8, UN humanitarian officials had indicated that fighting has escalated in South Kivu, especially around the areas of Kamanyola, Luvungi, and Katogota.
OCHA had previously stated that conflicts among armed factions and restrictions during the second and third quarters of 2025 have severely hindered humanitarian access or rendered it impossible in certain locales, including Minembwe, Itombwe, and the Hauts Plateaux.
Point of View
It is vital to emphasize the urgent need for international attention and action regarding the humanitarian crisis in South Kivu. The suspension of aid operations can exacerbate the already dire situation for the civilians affected by violence, and it highlights the necessity for cooperative efforts to restore stability and provide support to those in need.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were humanitarian activities suspended in South Kivu?
Humanitarian activities were suspended due to escalating clashes and violence in the region, specifically in the cities of Fizi and Baraka.
How many people have been displaced due to the violence?
Approximately 110,000 people have been displaced since December 8, with many fleeing to Burundi and Tanzania.
What health concerns are emerging from the displacement?
Reports indicate outbreaks of cholera and mpox at the Gatumba displacement site, prompting health partners to take action.
What is the UN doing to address the humanitarian crisis?
The UN is engaging with various parties to facilitate the safe movement of humanitarian teams and aims to resume aid operations.
What areas are most affected by the violence?
Areas such as Kamanyola, Luvungi, and Katogota have been notably impacted by the ongoing conflict.
