OCHA Situation Report
DR Congo: North Kivu
21 September 2007


Access has improved this week allowing humanitarian workers to assist
more IDPs in remote locations. However, chronic insecurity fuelled by
sporadic clashes prevents the population to return massively and even
causes more displacements that remain to be confirmed because
humanitarian workers haven't been able to reach these places yet.
Meanwhile, humanitarian workers finished distributions of emergency
assistance in Mugunga area and are focussing on community support to the
population settled. CONTEXT

During his two day visit in Goma, President Joseph Kabila met with
representatives from the humanitarian community to have an overview of
the current situation in North Kivu. After the meeting, he thanked all
organisations for their hard work and reiterated his support to all
humanitarian operations in the province. He promised to discuss the
problem of access to all areas with FARDC officials to help improve the
situation. He confirmed his support to tackle sexual violence and to
provide support to victims. He emphasized that "brassage" was the only
way for all armed groups to integrate national army and that he will put
in place a timeframe to complete the process.

Attended the meeting: OCHA, UNDP, WFP, UNHCR, WHO, Norwegian Refugee
Council, Medecins Sans Frontieres-France, OXFAM-UK, CARITAS, Save the
Children, Solidarites, ICRC.

Clashes were reported in Kirumba (Rutshuru) on 20th September between
Laurent Nkunda's men and FDLR/Mayi-Mayi elements.

POPULATION MOVEMENTS

Preliminary reports show population displacements from Kirumba towards
Mabenga following recent clashes in the area.

Reports indicate population displacements from Miriki towards
Kanyabayonga following exactions committed by FDLR/Mayi-Mayi elements on
civilian populations.

IDPs from Ruthsuru who left Munigi site earlier this week have arrived
in Ndosho and in Bulengo sites.

HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE

Congolese authorities agreed to expand the size of Bulengo site to 15
hectares. The site had nearly reached full capacity prior to its
expansion. However, they still haven't identified another potential site
as the humanitarian community requested.

An inter-agency mission to Kitchanga and Mweso is underway until 22nd
September to confirm population movements reported and to assess the
needs. These two towns are in areas controlled by Laurent Nkunda's
troops. Some organisations are already in the region to provide
assistance to the most vulnerable people.

Humanitarian parteners are currently deployed in Masisi town, Kitchanga
(Masisi), Nyanzale (Rutshuru), Sake (Masisi), Minova (South Kivu),
Mushaki (Masisi) and South Rutshuru. However, some main road remain
inaccessible.

In Mugunga-Bulengo area, the most urgent needs have been covered and
humanitarian partners in the field are now focussing on maintaining
health facilities, supplementary nutritional centres and to offer
support to victims of sexual violence as well as unaccompanied children.

A rapid assessment mission found 4,800 displaced families in need of
assistance in Kabaya (north of Goma in Rutshuru district). A
registration process and distribution should take place next week.

Contacts:

Patrick Lavand'homme, Head of Office, Goma (North Kivu), OCHA-DR Congo
Email: lavandhomme@un.org
Tel: +243 (0) 819 889 165

Christophe Illemassene, Senior Public Information Officer, Kinshasa,
OCHA-DR Congo
Email: illemassene@un.org
Tel: +243 (0) 819 889 195

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