PPOOPPUULLAATTIIOONN MMOOVVEEMMEENNTTSS IINN EEAASSTTEERRNN DDRR CCOONNGGOO

JANUARY – MARCH 2010 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

OCHA RDC / April 2010 2 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

1. OVERVIEW

The protection of civilians is the paramount challenge throughout all provinces affected by the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Non respect of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law in the Equateur, Orientale and North and South provinces is the root cause of displacement, suffering and human rights violations that affect millions of people in DRC. As of 1 April 2010, the number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in DRC is estimated at 1,913,169, of which 1,641,346 were displaced since January 2009. Displacement in the North and accounts for 72 percent of the total IDP population in DRC. In North and South Kivu provinces, the ongoing humanitarian crisis is related to military operations against the Forces Démocratiques pour la Libération du (FDLR) and the presence of a high number of armed groups. Populations fled areas because of the military operations or because of the FDLR’s retaliation against civilians. In addition to the military operations, there is continuous criminality, illegal taxation, looting, forced labour and forced transportation of assets, random attacks on commercial vehicles, and sexual violence. Many criminal acts have been associated to the Armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Congolese National Police. Since October 2009, inter-communal clashes in the Equateur province have triggered internal and cross-border displacement of a combined 200,000 persons. Fighting erupted when Enyele insurgents launched deadly assaults on ethnic Munzayas over fishing and farming rights. Tensions have spread to most parts of Equateur and fear over renewed violence still persists among civilians. When looking at displacement from a timeline history, the trend suggests a direct link between displacement and violence. For example, the highest wave of displacement occurred during the first quarter of 2009. About 593,668 were displaced in the and the . The underlying reasons for such massive displacement relate to the joint military operations against the FDLR in the Kivu provinces and the atrocities committed by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the Orientale Province. Over 430,000 persons were displaced in the North and the South Kivu provinces, while 157,000 in the Orientale Province during the mentioned period of time (for details see table: Trend: Current Displacement History). The vast majority of the displaced population resides among host communities.. Almost all IDP camps are located within the borders of the Province. A significant number of returns has been registered in the Kivus since the beginning of 2009. Over 70 percent of the returns in eastern DRC have occurred in the North . Conditions for return were created following the peace agreement signed between the Congrès Nationale pour la Défense du Peuple (CNDP) and the Government of the DRC in March 2009. The territories of , and (South Lubero) are the main areas receiving returnees. However, there is a general sense of deceleration on the return movement, when comparing data on estimated number of returnees during the first quarter of 2010 and the last quarter of 2009. Over 95 percent of the returnees of North Kivu are residing on their own land or property.

OCHA RDC / April 2010 3 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2. CURRENT TRENDS BY PROVINCE

2.1.P OPULATION MOVEMENTS IN KATANGA

Displacement: decreased numbers x Around 15,127 persons displaced in North Katanga x 2,500 newly displaced persons since December 2009 - 70% in Bendera (125 km of Kalemie). Returns: x Military operations and lack of security in South Kivu province undermine returns from

Context Summary The humanitarian situation remains calm in the district of Tanganyika in the Katanga Province. However, the areas bordering South Kivu have been affected by the ongoing military operations. Since the end of December 2009, about 2,500 IDPs moved to the Bendera area. As clashes have intensified between FARDC and the FDLR and May-May groups in South-Kivu, displacement occurred as a preventive measure. Different aid organizations provide humanitarian assistance to those displaced in the Bendera area. Food aid and non-food items (NFIs) appear to be the main concern among needy populations. The distribution of NFIs has also targeted vulnerable host families in the area. The humanitarian concern is currently related to a certain number of IDP families not yet registered and therefore excluded from any type of assistance. Displacement An inter-agency mission comprising United Nations agencies and international and national NGOs visited Bendera from 5 to 10 December 2009. About 3,114 IDPs were identified as being most in need of assistance. There is no exact figure of the total number of displaced persons in the region. Nevertheless, the humanitarian community estimates about 4,000 households grouped in Bendera, Musa Kahité, Bulongo, Malobe, Mukelelwa, Nowa, Mahila and Mapanda. The number of IDPs in Kalemie, North Katanga, is currently estimated at 15,875. About 10,875 were displaced during 2009. The reasons for population movement in the province have been associated to military operations and confrontations between FARDC and FDLR troops or May-May groups in South-Kivu. Former May-May elements contribute to the zone’s instability, threatening to destroy aid workers’ bases, such as the case of Nyunzu. This particular issue is linked to the slow process of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration and the unfulfilled promised to demobilize May-May elements. Trends The majority of the displaced population (80 percent) in North Katanga reside with host families in the area of Bendera. There are no IDP camps in the province. Most of the IDPs indicated “armed attacks” as the main reason for displacement. Due to intensifying military confrontations, IDPs have not been able to return to home areas. IDPs are accessing job opportunities in nearby plantations.

OCHA RDC / April 2010 4 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2.2. POPULATION MOVEMENTS IN NORTH KIVU

Displacement: x 71,810 people displaced during the first quarter of 2010, which is a 28 percent decrease compared with the fourth quarter of 2009. x 814,744 people displaced in North Kivu - 666,778 displaced since 2009. Returns: x 73,725 returns during the first quarter of 2010, which is a 34 percent decrease compared with the fourth quarter of 2009. x 1,043,953 returns in North Kivu - 717,124 returned since 2009.

Context Summary The humanitarian crisis in North Kivu remains unchanged, as compared with 2009. The ongoing military operations, with or without support from the United Nations Organization Mission in the DRC (MONUC) continue to impact on the situation of the civilian population. However, a 28 percent decrease in displacement was registered in the first quarter of 2010 compared with the last quarter of 2009. The decrease in numbers of displacements has not translated into improvement of the protection for the civilian population. During the first quarter of 2010, lootings, harassments, sexual assaults, destruction of properties, illegal taxations, forced labour and forced asset transportation continued to affect civilians in North Kivu. FARDC, FDLR, May-May groups and criminals were the main perpetrators of the reported incidents throughout the reporting period. Most security incidents and humanitarian gaps have been registered in areas where displacement and return take place simultaneously. Displacement Table : Displacement per Period The Population Movement Commission (CMP) estimates a decrease of 28 percent Territory Oct-Dec 09 Jan-Mar 10 on displacement when comparing the first quarter of 2010 with the last quarter of 2,285 3,165 2009. When breaking down data per territories covering the same period, Lubero 5,750 - and Walikale Territories are the most affected, as they are the primary areas of Lubero 64,580 56,715 ongoing military operations against FDLR (see table: Displacement per period, for Masisi 20,540 1,010 details). Rutshuru 3,340 - Walikale 33,109 10,920 Since 2009, about 666,778 people have been displaced. The main cause is linked Total 129,604 71,810 to military operations against FDLR. A residual number of 147,966 IDPs refers to displacement prior to 2009 and related to the CNDP conflict with the Government of the DRC. The total IDP population in North Kivu is estimated at 810,144 people. Reasons for displacement are associated to (i) FARDC military operations, with and without MONUC’s support; (ii) preventive movement of communities fearing military operations or its consequences; (iii) retaliation of FDLR or other May-May self-defence groups against civilian populations. A total of 85 percent of the displaced population reside with host communities, while 13 percent are in camps and two percent in public sites.

OCHA RDC / April 2010 5 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Return Return movement has been observed in former areas controlled by CNDP in Masisi and Rutshuru Territories, as well as in eastern areas of the main Lubero- road in . Most of the return movement has been registered in Beni and Masisi Territories during the first quarter of 2010. Table II: Return per Period Commuting between homeland and areas of displacement (pendulum Territory Oct-Dec 09 Jan-Mar 10 movement) is a coping strategy for IDPs in many areas of Rutshuru, Masisi Beni - 44,785 and Lubero territories, where displacements occurred within a short distance Butembo - - from the place of origin. Lubero 103,840 6,285 Masisi 44,510 22,655 Data collected on returns show a deceleration on the return movement Nyiragongo - - compared with data collected during the last quarter and the overall data from Rutshuru - - 2009. The main obstacles hindering return are the absence of state Walikale 1,985 - authorities; lack of security, criminality, economic pressure by local armed Total 150,335 73,725 groups and limited development activities. Return movement is estimated at 717,124 since January 2009. The main areas of return are Lubero (41 percent), Masisi (28 percent) and Rutshuru (23 percent) territories. In the last three months, some 73,725 people have returned home compared with 150,335 people between October and December 2009. The CMP estimates the return movement at about 1,043,953 in North Kivu, of which 717,124 happened since 2009. About 96 percent of all returnees reside on their own property, while the rest live among host communities. Returnees have indicated stability and security as the main factors for return (95.2 percent), while humanitarian assistance accounted for less than 1 percent. A total of 4 percent of the population did not provide information. Trends There is a deceleration on the return movement and limited displacement considering the current military operations when compared with Kimia II during 2009 (see trends below). A need to speed up socio-economic and reconstruction/rehabilitation activities, as well as the establishment of state authorities, may contribute to the stability in return areas.

Displacement Trend since 2009 in Percentage Return Trend since 2009 in Percentage

OCHA RDC / April 2010 6 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

2.3. POPULATION MOVEMENTS IN THE ORIENTALE PROVINCE

2.3.1. HAUT-UELE AND BAS-UELE DISTRICTS

Displacement: x 280,700 IDPs in the two Uele Districts, which is a decrease of 17,500 people from fourth quarter 2009.

Returns: x 51,200 returnees in the two Uele Districts, which is an increase of 19,100 people from fourth quarter 2009.

Context Summary Since September 2008, the LRA has been terrorizing the population. It has routinely attacked, looted and burned villages, and killed, maimed and abducted civilians, including children. These attacks have caused widespread panic, leading to a huge number of preventive displacements. With the agreement of the DRC Government, on 14 December 2008 the Ugandan army (UPDF) launched air strikes against the LRA bases in the DRC. This provoked the dispersion of the LRA towards the two Uele districts, and towards the DRC borders with the (CAR) and the Sudan. More than 6,000 FARDC troops are currently deployed in Haut-Uele, to areas considered strategic for the protection of the population. The 900 MONUC troops are based in Dungu, Duru and Faradje, with temporary bases in Bangadi, Dingila, Ngilima (in the Dungu Territory) and Niangara since end of December 2009. In the first quarter of 2010, LRA rebels launched 52 attacks against civilians in the Bas-Uele and Haut-Uele, killing 75 people and abducting 40 adults and 28 children. Since December 2007, the cumulative toll of the victims is estimated at 1,789 massacred in cold blood and 2,651 abducted civilians, including 804 children in Haut and Bas-Uele Districts. Displacement During the reporting period, no significant change has been observed in IDP figures in the Bas-. Regarding the Haut-Uele District, the number of IDPs has decreased from 239,200 at the end of December 2009 to 222,400 at the end of the first quarter 2010. The analysis by territory shows that the number of IDPs during the last three months has increased by 7,000 people in the Dungu Territory. This is due to IDP movement from the isolated surroundings of Dungu town to Dungu town itself to seek assistance. IDPs Bas-Uele IDPs Haut-Uele

Access to the affected populations, most notably outside of Dungu, remains Table I: Return / Persons difficult. Territory Haut-Uele Bas-Uele Ango - 6,750 In the two districts, approximately 96,000 out of 281,000 IDPs (34 percent) are Dungu 12,195 - not accessible. This is due to poor security conditions due to LRA activities and Faradje 18,297 - bad road conditions. 13,960 - Sub-Total 44,452 6,750 Total Uele 51,202

OCHA RDC / April 2010 7 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Returns The volatile security situation in the Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele districts following the LRA attacks in the Niangara and Dungu territories explains the absence of any significant wave of return. There is no change in the figures of the returnees since December 2009. The Watsa Territory has received the first wave of 14,000 returnees, most of them from the in the . Trends The presence of LRA rebels in the two Uele districts is the factor hampering the return. It will continue to cause displacement in this part of the Orientale Province.

2.3.2. ITURI DISTRICT

Displacement: x167,300 IDPs in Ituri – an increase of 2,000 people from the last quarter of 2009.

Returns: x156,300 persons have returned in last 18 months – the Djugu Territory accounts for 75 percent of returnees

Context Summary FARDC, with logistical support from MONUC, launched several military operations against armed groups during 2009 through an operation called “Iron Stone”. The operation has pushed armed elements, creating small splinter groups operating in a wide area. The return process in Southern areas of the Irumu Territory has been delayed due to the presence of FRPI/FPJC militia elements. Displacement During the reporting period, no further IDPs have been registered from the Territory of Territory IDP Persons Faradje (Haut-Uele District) into the Territory of Aru (Ituri District). Since the last quarter of Aru 37,168 2009, an increase of 7,300 IDPs was recorded in the Irumu Territory. Military operations Djugu 20,780 conducted by FARDC against armed groups in Zunguluka (15 km west of Bukiringi) and Irumu 106,343 Mokato Ngazi area have caused the displacement. Out of 167,000 IDPs in the district, Mahagi - approximately 45,000 (27 percent) are not accessible, especially in Southern Irumu, due to Mambasa 3,070 the ongoing military operations. Total 167,361 On 19 March, the district authorities established a humanitarian corridor to ensure the safe passage of temporarily displaced persons from the jungles of Mokato and Ngazi areas. Humanitarian assistance was provided to about 3,000 people. Returns

Except for the Territory of Irumu, where the activities of the militia are still ongoing and Territory Return Persons preventing the return of IDPs to their land of origin, the return of populations to their Aru - villages is almost over. Djugu 117,418 However, despite these ongoing military operations, the overall security has improved in Irumu 12,153 Mahagi the Ituri District over the past few years. This has enabled an estimated 2,151,500 26,728 Mambasa - people displaced during the to return to their villages of origin since 2003 Total 156,299 (almost 95 percent of the over 2 million returnees were registered in the period before 2009), including 156,300 who have returned in the last 18 months, especially in the Djugu Territory (75 percent of the total of the returnees).

OCHA RDC / April 2010 8 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Trends The people of the Southern Irumu Territory are still exposed to security threats due to the activities of FPJC/FRPI militia forces and the ongoing FARDC military operation. New displacements are likely to occur as long as the current stand off with the militia prevails.

2.4. POPULATION MOVEMENTS IN SOUTH KIVU

Displacement: x 43.261 IDPs registered during the first trimester of 2010, decrease of approximately 80 percent. x 217.120 people displaced in the South Kivu during the first trimester of 2009.

Returns: x 46,365 IDPS have returned to their homes during the first trimester of 2010. x During the same reporting period in 2009, 65.440 people returned home in South Kivu.

Context Summary The security situation is deteriorating in the province due to the ongoing military operations (Amani Leo) against the FDLR and violence perpetrated against civilians by all armed groups in Shabunda, Kalehe, Mwenga, and Fizi Territories since the beginning of the year. Humanitarian space has been greatly reduced, especially in the Territory of Fizi, Highlands of Uvira and in Itombwe in .

Displacement At the end of March 2010, the number of IDPs registered by CMP in South Kivu was 603,520, of which 43,261 were displaced during the first quarter of 2010. A decrease of 80 percent has been noted when comparing displacement data covering the first quarter of 2009.

DéplacementauSudͲKivu,RDCongo2009/2010

40,00% Pourcentageparpériode/partotal(date:09avril2010) Table I: Displacement by Period

35,00% 35,98% Territory Jan-Mar 09 Jan-Mar 10

30,00% 28,96% 25,00% Fizi 4,260 13,409 Kabare 43,205 252 20,00% 19,01% 15,00% Kalehe 156,975 7,570 Mwenga 9,075 3,350 10,00% 8,89% 7,17% 5,00% Shabunda 14,356

0,00% Uvira 3,605 4,324 JanvierͲMars2009 AvrilͲJuin2009 JuilletͲSeptembre OctobreͲDecembre JanvierͲMars2010 Walungu 2009 2009 Total 217,120 43,261 Displacement has been caused by insecurity and instability in certain areas of Uvira, Mwenga and part of Kalehe Territories due to military operations. The territories of Shabunda and Fizi have been the worst affected in terms of displacement (see table 1 for details).

Return During the first quarter of 2010, approximately 46,365 IDPs have returned to their villages of origin, especially in the territories of Fizi, Kalehe, Mwenga, Shabunda and Uvira. Some of the reasons for the return process include the beginning of the school year and the planting season. The communities of Karasi, Kafishaa and Bulambika in the plateau areas of of Kalehe Territory have experienced the largest return movement in the province.

OCHA RDC / April 2010 9 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

A decrease of 29 percent on the return process has been observed in the province when comparing the first quarter of 2009 (65,440 people) with the first quarter of 2010 (46,365 people). The insecurity due to the activities of armed forces has been indicated as the underlying reason for the slowdown of the return process. Since January 2009, the cumulative return movement in South Kivu is estimated at 165,911 people. Trends Due to the lack security in a number of areas and ongoing military operations new displacements are very likely to take place. The revival of agro-pastoral activities may encourage returns among the displaced population, but this will not suffice as long as the security situation does not improve in the concerned areas.

Table I: Return by Period Territory Oct-Dec 09 Jan-Mar 10 Bukavu - - Fizi 14,330 5,036 Kabare - - Kalehe 21,645 25,175 Mwenga 8,920 2,350 Shabunda - 13,549 Uvira - 255 Walungu 20,545 - Total 65,440 46,365

OCHA RDC / April 2010 10 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Annex I: Displacement

Province Territory/District Jan-Mar 2010 Oct-Dec 2009 Jul-Sept 2009 Apr-Jun 2009 Jan-Mar 2009 Pre- 2009 Total Zongo/Sub Ubangi 2,572 2,572 Libenge/Sub Ubangi 1,732 1,732 Kungu/Sub Ubangi 24,000 24,000 Equater Gemena/Sub Ubangi 1,835 1,835 Budjala/Sub Ubangi 1,500 1,500 Sub-Total 31,639 - - - - - 31,639 Kalemie/Tanganika 758 3,494 10,875 15,127 Katanga Sub-Total 758 3,494 - - - 10,875 15,127 Beni 3,165 2,285 3,975 9,425 Butembo 5,750 5,750 Lubero 56,715 64,580 127,525 12,728 138,560 1,575 401,683 Masisi 1,010 20,540 17,756 35,219 42,274 72,321 189,120 North Kivu Nyiragongo 1,710 1,710 Rutshuru 3,340 7,809 18,126 7,577 72,360 109,212 Walikale 10,920 33,109 14,580 8,365 30,870 97,844 Sub-Total 71,810 129,604 171,645 74,438 219,281 147,966 814,744 Ango/Bas Uele 8,080 26,580 34,660 Bambesa/Bas Uele 4892 3,460 8,352 Buta/Bas Uele 295 295 Bondo/Bas Uele 4500 4,500 Poko/Bas Uele 1,475 9,085 10,560 Dungu/Haut Uele 2,923 241 2613 25,673 87,811 119,261 Faradje/Haut Uele 3720 49,958 53,678 Orientale Niangara/Haut Uele 37 2,545 9,097 9,440 21,119 Watsa/Haut Uele 336 6,852 7,188 Rungu/Haut Uele 11385 9,780 21,165 Aru/Ituri 2,035 1550 33,583 37,168 Djugu/Ituri 20,780 20,780 Irumu/Ituri 13,847 1,436 19972 24,150 46,938 106,343 Mambasa/Ituri 700 1,925 445 3,070 Sub-Total 16,807 25,162 65,012 1,845 157,267 182,046 448,139 Bukavu 16,350 16,350 Fizi 13,409 5,617 14,109 8,985 4,260 46,380 Kabare 252 4,435 18,305 43,205 66,197 Kalehe 7,570 16,115 65,300 44,289 156,975 290,249 Sud Kivu Mwenga 3,350 17,890 1,190 6,500 9,075 38,005 Shabunda 14,356 715 28,895 17,825 61,791 Uvira 4,324 13,179 34,760 2,460 3,605 58,328 Walungu 130 26,090 26,220 Sub-Total 43,261 53,646 174,779 114,714 217,120 - 603,520 DR Congo Grand Total 164,275 270,095 411,436 190,997 593,668 340,887 1,913,169

OCHA RDC / April 2010 11 Population Movements in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Annex I: Return

Province Territory/District Jan-Mar 2010 Oct-Dec 2009 Jul-Sept 2009 Apr-Jun 2009 Jan-Mar 2009 Pre- 2009 Total Ango/Bas Uele 6,750 6,750 Dungu/Haut Uele 12,195 12,195 Faradje/Haut Uele 18,297 18,297 Watsa/Haut Uele 13,960 13,960 Orientale Djungu/Haut Uele 645 1,915 7,236 22,185 27,567 57,870 117,418 Irumu/Ituri 2,940 4091,689 7,115 12,153 Mahagi/Ituri 166 5,505 21,057 26,728 Sub-Total 645 18,815 7,236 22,760 72,003 86,042 207,501 Fizi 5036 4,130 1,850 14,330 25,346 Kabare 200 200 Kalehe 25175 11 2,055 21,645 48,886 Mwenga 2350 26,750 8,920 38,020 Sud Kivu Shabunda 13549 2,230 15,779 Uvira 255 3,335 9,545 13,135 Walungu 4,000 20,545 24,545 Sub-Total 46,365 3,346 42,855 7,905 65,440 - 165,911 Beni 44,785 2,695 47,480 Lubero 6,285 103,840 36,455 144,355 207,180 498,115 Masisi 22,655 44,510 65,829 38,603 31,560 3,459 206,616 Nord Kivu Nyiragongo 1,090 1,090 Rutshuru 10,149 5,440 153,203 90,630 259,422 Walikale 1,985 3,685 5,670 Sub-Total 73,725 150,335 113,523 50,423 329,118 301,269 1,018,393 DR Congo Grand Total 120,735 172,496 163,614 81,088 466,561 387,311 1, 391,805

OCHA RDC / April 2010 12