Civilians in Congo-Kinshasa Caught in Crossfire in the Kivus

The city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a dire situation as it has been gradually surrounded by several front lines, with between 600,000 and 1 million displaced people crammed alongside the city’s two million residents. Civilians are caught in the crossfire between different armed groups, leading to injuries, deaths, and an increase in crime and sexual violence.

Over the past two years, there have been regular movements of people fleeing the fighting in North and South Kivu provinces, seeking refuge in rudimentary camps on the outskirts of Goma. The concentration of armed men in and around the camps has escalated the level of violence, with heavy artillery fire causing 23 deaths and 52 injuries since February 2024.

The displaced individuals find themselves in complete insecurity with no way out, living in densely populated camps with deplorable sanitary conditions and limited access to water and food. The situation is further exacerbated by incidents of crossfire, grenade explosions, and incidents of sexual violence within the camps.

Medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been providing care to survivors of violence, but their operations have been hampered by clashes near the camps and blocked road access. MSF emphasizes the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and protecting civilians, health facilities, patients, and medical staff during times of conflict.

The situation in Goma and surrounding areas remains critical, with ongoing fighting and a desperate need for humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of the displaced population.