Conflict in Katanga, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Key Findings

Home , Kalemie, Katanga Province, Nyunzu

ACAPS Briefing Note: Conflict in Katanga, DRC

09.07.2014 Anticipated  Rapidly deteriorating security situation, with 100,000 new scope and IDPs in the first three months of 2014. Insignificant Minor Moderate Important Major scale  Over 500,000 IDPs in desperate conditions, with Expected impact X insufficient/no humanitarian assistance.  Over 400,000 IDPs and 2.6 million people living in highly Need for international Not required Low Moderate Important Urgent violent areas are suffering a food security crisis and high assistance X levels of malnutrition.  Most vulnerable complex emergency areas include Pweto, Manono, Mitwaba, Moba, and Malemba Nkulu. Crisis Overview  Situation likely to be aggravated by presence of new armed groups in Katanga and the 2016 elections.  Active fighting resumed in 2012 in Affected groups Key figures Katanga; a complex humanitarian crisis in Resident population 9,200,000 Priorities for  Food, nutrition, shelter & NFIs, Health, protection, and the richest and most politically sensitive humanitarian education and livelihoods. province in of DRC. Affected population 2,600,000 intervention  High levels of SGBV require specialised attention for sexual Total displaced 500,000 health and psychological support.  Violence, abuses including abduction, Total newly displaced 100,000  Protection for children at risk of forced recruitment and to (Jan–March 2014) looting, rape, and forced recruitment of support child soldiers’ reintegration into society. children by armed groups are major People affected by 2,600,000 food insecurity concerns. Humanitarian  Highly volatile insecurity limits access and direct control of  500,000 displaced lost their homes and livelihoods, 2.6 million people are food constraints humanitarian operations, while increasing budgets. Staff and insecure, emergency levels of malnutrition in some areas as well as recurrent aid at risk of attack. epidemics and exposure to natural disasters increase their vulnerability.  Physical access can be time consuming and expensive due

to poor road networks.  Access is extremely difficult due to poor infrastructure and violence. Lack of basic  Limited funding, access and presence of humanitarian actors services and infrastructure is exacerbated by the conflict, resulting in enormous in some of the most remote and affected areas. humanitarian needs.  Conditions worsen during the October–March rainy season.

 The 2016 elections are expected to aggravate the conflict and humanitarian situation further. Need for  Major humanitarian gaps and vast needs for emergency humanitarian assistance. assistance

ACAPS Briefing Note: Conflict in Katanga, DRC

Map 1: OCHA DISPLACEMENT AND RETURNEES KATANGA (03/2014 ) Unconfirmed reports indicate that FDLR militants are embedded and fighting with local Batwa (RI 26/06/2014).  Community self-defence groups, created by communities to protect themselves from armed groups but also a source of conflict (OCHA 05/2014).  FARDC offensive operations, especially against the Bakata Katanga, have caused widespread displacement. There have also been complaints of violence and human rights abuses by armed forces against civilian populations (Katanga Protection Cluster OCHA 05/2014).  520 MONUSCO troops in an area the size of France are insufficient to protect civilians and improve the security situation (RI 26/06/2014). Displacement  The intensity of the violence has caused widespread fear and massive displacement in Katanga. IDP numbers have grown 900% since 2011, from 55,000 to over 500,000 in 2014 (UNHCR 2013). There were over 100,000 new IDPs between January and March 2014 (UNHCR 31/05/2014).  The number of unaccompanied displaced children is also growing (Katanga Protection Cluster 05/2014, RI 26/06/2014).  No IDP camps have been established in Katanga (Katanga Protection Cluster 05/2014). 85% of IDPs are hosted by families and communities, often in chronic poverty with limited/no access to basic services (Katanga Protection Cluster 05/2014). The remaining 15% are in informal settlements or public buildings (markets, schools and churches), in precarious conditions (Katanga Protection Cluster 05/2014). Some reports Source: OCHA, 03/2014. indicate that IDPs remain hidden in the bush (RI 26/06/2014). Key Information  The displaced families are often forced to leave behind what little they have (identity cards, basic possessions, clothing, money, etc.) (RI 26/06/2014). Drivers of the Conflict  Mai Mai Bakata Katanga (The Ones Who Cut Katanga) seeks the independence Crisis Impact of Katanga among other economic and political interests. Intense violent activity in Mitwaba, Manono, and Pweto (the Triangle of Death), with recent expansion to Health and Nutrition Moba and Malemba Nkulu territories. In the first six months of 2014, Bakata  Lack of access to healthcare is a major problem contributing to widespread Katanga attacked over 100 villages, burning thousands of homes and destroying disease and high mortality rates for common and treatable diseases (ECHO 02/2014). schools, clinics and other public buildings (RI 26/06/2014).  The nutritional status of children under five, and pregnant and lactating women is  The Luba and the Batwa ethnic groups have been fighting since 2012, mainly in alarming, significantly exceeding the emergency thresholds in Manono, Malemba the northern areas of Manono, Nyunzu, and Kalemie, and displaced between Nkulu, Kambove Nyunzu and Kabalo (IPC 04/2014). 30,000 and 50,000 people (RI 26/06/2014).  Cholera and measles outbreaks are frequent and malaria is endemic. There were  Armed groups from North and South Kivu provinces – including the Democratic 4,027 cholera cases between January and May 2014 (UNICEF 31/05/2014). Over Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the National Liberation Forces (FNL), 463,000 malaria cases, including 910 deaths were reported from January to March Raia Mutomboki, and Mai Mai Yakutumba – are now present in Katanga. 2014 (OCHA 04/2014). 59 of 68 health districts were affected by measles. Vaccination coverage is low.

ACAPS Briefing Note: Conflict in Katanga, DRC

 Existing medical facilities are few and low in quality; the limited resources (medical  High food prices are exacerbating food insecurity for poor households. Prices in inputs and human) are often overwhelmed (ECHO, OCHA April - June 2014). markets of conflict areas remain about 60% higher than in non-conflict areas  Displacement, remoteness, and lack of financial means to pay for the treatment (GIEWS FAO 06/2014).

also limit access to appropriate care (ECHO 02/2014). Education

WASH  Violence and population movements continue to threaten the education of children Access to clean water and sanitation services is a big challenge for the affected affected by conflict in Katanga. population. Poor access and poor hygiene conditions are the main contributors to  49 schools have been destroyed or burned in Katanga since July 2013. There is deteriorating health conditions and to the spread of epidemic outbreaks. Women and a gap in the provision of education for 24,678 displaced returnee children children that collect water from remote sources faced further risk of abuse and (between 6 and 11 years old) who cannot be integrated into learning spaces violence (ECHO 02/2014). (UNICEF 05/2014).

Protection Impact on Infrastructure  All armed groups, including the FARDC and the police, have been accused of  Lack of basic services (health, education, etc. ) and infrastructure in eastern DRC frequent violations of human rights against civilians, who lack access to protection is exacerbated by the conflict, causing enormous humanitarian needs (ECHO and justice. Acute levels of violence also exist within the community (RI 26/06/2014, 02/2014) ECHO 03/2014).  Katanga road network is very poor, although armed groups manage access to  There were over 3,000 protection-related incidents (including rape, torture, and even the remotest areas (RI 26/06/2014). recruitment and use of children in armed conflict) between January and May 2014.  Houses, schools, health centres, and other public buildings are often destroyed in Intensified insecurity in Manono during May saw a 367% rise, with 1,400 confrontations. protection incidents reported (USAID 24/06/2014).  SGBV: The majority of victims are IDPs (70%), women, and girls. Other sources Affected Vulnerable Groups also report men and boy victims of SGBV. Integrated health services are lacking  Children, women, the elderly, and people with disabilities are particularly medical and psychological support for SGBV victims (Katanga Protection Cluster OCHA vulnerable to the risks mentioned in previous sections. 05/2014).  The displaced population, especially those who have resorted to using negative  Children require protection to prevent their recruitment by armed groups. Child coping mechanisms for survival, moved several times and do not have sources of soldiers need support their reintegration back into society when they are released income or support. (Katanga Protection Cluster 05/2014).  The host population living in poverty and extreme poverty in areas of complex

Food Security emergency (conflict, violence, outbreaks and food insecurity) and with a large IDP Over 400,000 IDPs are in need of urgent food assistance, 2.6 million people in high population. conflict areas of Manono, Mitwaba, Pweto, Malemba Nkulu, and Kalemie are living in Humanitarian and Operational Constraints Crisis or Emergency food insecurity (IPC Phases 3 and 4) (IPC 04/2014). Major markets  Control of humanitarian operations reduced by high levels of violence and seem to be operational but prices are five times higher than in non-conflict areas (RI 26/06/2014, IPC). insecurity (ECHO 02/2014).  Attacks and threats on humanitarian staff; looting and burning of aid (ECHO 02/2014) Agriculture/livelihoods  Physical access can be time consuming and expensive as result of poor road  Persistent insecurity continues to restrict access to land and agricultural and infrastructure and detours to avoid violent areas or those outside government livestock inputs, limiting households’ productive capacity. control (RI 26/06/2014).  October–March rainy season worsens operational conditions.

ACAPS Briefing Note: Conflict in Katanga, DRC

Potential Aggravating Factors International Response  Limited presence of international organisations working actively in Katanga, many Seasonal Information operate through local organisations (Katanga Protection Cluster 05/2014).  The rainy season, normally from October to March, increases vulnerabilities of the  UN’s Strategic Response Plan for the DRC is only 24% funded, making it difficult affected population and is also the season for some endemic waterborne to scale up aid (Katanga Protection Cluster 05/2014).Donors, ECHO and USAID among diseases. others, have committed funds to support critical humanitarian assistance in this  The lean season is normally from October to December but can start earlier for area in 2014, mainly to humanitarian actors already present. OCHA has activated many families if they have exhausted their coping strategies (GEWS FAO 06/2014). Pooled Funds for this emergency (ECHO 02/2014; USAID; OCHA).

Other Vulnerability Factors Population Coping Mechanisms  Fluid and dynamic displacement patterns, with multiple displacements, are  Fleeing, abandoning home, possessions, education and livelihoods. Often complicating the humanitarian response (RI 26/06/2014). multiple displacement to protect and preserve life.  Increased presence of armed groups from neighbouring provinces; including  Reducing the size, quality and diversity in meals and using unsafe water sources FDLR, FNL, Raia Mutomboki, and Mai Mai Yakutumba. Unconfirmed reports (results in deteriorating nutritional and health status) indicate that FDLR are embedded and fighting alongside local Batwa (RI 26/06/2014).  Seeking medical attention late or stopping treatment early.  There are serious concerns that as the 2016 election approaches, political rifts in  Theft, prostitution, drugs, joining criminal or armed groups. the province will become more pronounced and more violent (RI 26/06/2014). Information Gaps and Needs Key Characteristics of Host Population and Area  Better understanding of ongoing violence in northern Katanga. Key COD indicators for Democratic Republic of Congo (WB database).  Desegregated data and profile on the affected population, profiling of the different  Demographics: Population: 67,513,677, Female: 50%. 45% aged 0-14. Live displaced and vulnerable groups at risk. expectancy at birth: 50 years. Urban population: 35%.  Consultations with the affected population to identify their priority needs, preferred  Health: Crude mortality rate: 15.6/1,000; infant mortality rate: 99 per 1,000 live response options and main concerns. births; maternal mortality rate 810 per 100,000 births; 37% of children under 6 months exclusively breastfed;  Katanga specific baselines with disaggregated general and sector specific data and key indicators, monitoring system to monitor the situation to follow the trends Malnutrition prevalence, height for age (% of children under 5): 43.5. Malnutrition and evolution of the crisis. prevalence, weight for age (% of children under 5): 24. 8.5% of under-fives acutely malnourished; 2.7% of under-fives severely malnourished.  Geospatial mapping of needs and humanitarian responses and actors in the different areas (RI, OCHA, UNICEF, ECHO, USAID, DRC Cluster).  WASH: Population with access to improved water sources: 46% (urban: 79%, rural: 29%); Population with improved access to sanitation: 31% (urban: 32.9% Lessons Learned rural: 29%).  Support for lifesaving, medical treatment and integrated attention for survivors of  Economic: GINI index: 44. GDP per capita: USD 454. Population below poverty Sexual Violence (CARE 10/06/2014). line: 71%; Literacy rate: 67%.  Early interventions to mitigate the risks of deepening crises, reduce threats to Response Capacity human lives, and lessen the pressure on livelihood assets, while also reducing the Local Response longer-term costs of humanitarian response (OCHA 2013). Local NGOs are present and working in Katanga area with the financial support of  Hosting populations and families living in poverty and highly vulnerable conditions international organisations. Funding limitations are resulting in huge gaps in response should also be supported by humanitarian interventions (UNHCR 2013). (RI 26/06/2014). 4

ACAPS Briefing Note: Conflict in Katanga, DRC

Violence, displaced population, food crisis and malnutrition rates in Katanga province

% IDP vs Humanitarian High Global Acute Severe Acute Population # IDPs District total food security intensity Malnutrition Malnutrition total (31/03/2013) population crisis violence (GAM) % (SAM) %

Kalemie 366,485 66729 18.2 366,485 Kambove 562,513 22998 4.1 18.8 5.5 Kasenga 313,723 11341 3.6 Likasi 261,528 1895 0.7 Lubudi 306,912 7776 2.5 Malemba- 960,976 83710 8.7 960,976 + + + 19.3 6.5 Nkulu Manono 569,608 62893 11 569,608 + + + + + 19.8 5.4 Mitwaba 246,072 50978 20.7 246,072 + + + + + Moba 351,317 9129 2.6 + + + Pweto 472,451 182835 38.7 472,451 + + + + + Total: 4,411,585 500,284 2,615,592

Sources: IASC Clusters DRC - OCHA (pop), UNHCR (Displacement), IPC (food security), RI (violent areas) (2014)

The total population of Katanga is 9,2 million people, but population in areas hosting IDP's is 4,4 million only. IPC Food securtiy Phase 4 IPC food security Phase 3