Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
OCHA DRC POPULATION MOVEMENTS IN EASTERN DR CONGO OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2009
January 2010 1
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
1. OVERVIEW The humanitarian situation and movement of populations in 2009 have been heavily influenced by military operations and the still prevailing insecurity in a number of areas in the eastern provinces.
Between January 20 and February 25 2009, the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) conducted joint operations (Umoja Wetu) in North Kivu against the Forces Démocratiques pour le Liberation du Rwanda (FDLR).
In March 2009 a second military operation (Kimia II) was launched in North Kivu and South Kivu. Lubero, Rutshuru, Masisi and Walikale are the territories in North Kivu where major displacements have been reported since March 2009. In South Kivu the most affected areas are Kalehe, Uvira and Shabunda.
The attacks carried out by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a Ugandan militia, in the Orientale province since September 2008 have spread from the Haut Uele district to the Bas Uele in 2009. The population is victim of atrocities and acts of extreme violence: killings, rapes, kidnapping and looting leading to population displacements in many locations of the districts.
N. IDPs per Province
800 000 767 399 730 941 700 000
600 000
Haut Uele 500 000 Bas Uele Ituri North Kivu 400 000 South Kivu Equateur 239 210 Katanga 300 000 165 472 200 000
58 937 60 000 100 000 14 000
0
Note: Ituri, Haut Uele and Bas Uele are districts of the Orientale province
During the reporting period (October ‐ December 2009) some displacements have been reported in the Katanga province where about 14.000 people have moved from South Kivu due to the military operations in the area bordering Katanga.
On the other side of the country, in the Equateur province on the border with the Republic of Congo, between October and November 2009, inter‐ethnic fighting over disputed land and fishing rights erupted near Dongo. During the last three months of the year the situation escalated and the violence spread south which resulted in massive displacement of people. As of December 31, 2009 it is estimated that about 60.000 people have been displaced. It is important to note that, as a consequence of the inter‐ethnic fighting, in December it was reported that more than 84,000 refugees crossed the Ubangi river in DRC to look for refuge in the Republic of Congo (RoC), another 15,000 refugees crossed into the Central African republic (CAR).
January 2010 2
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
IDPs per Province
1% 3% 12%
3%
8% 36% Haut Uele Bas Uele Ituri North Kivu South Kivu Equateur Katanga
37%
As of December 31, 2009 the total estimated number of internally displaced persons in the country stands at about 1.9 million, while the total number of returnees is more than 1 m.
2. CURRENT TRENDS BY PROVINCE
2.1. NORTH KIVU
Displacement: decreased numbers
• 767.399 displaced persons in North Kivu (602.974 were displaced during 2009) • 42,21% of displaced are now in the Lubero territory
Returns: decreased numbers
• During the last three months, about 60.402 people have returned to Lubero and Masisi. • Since January 2009, 528.236 people returned to their origin places in North Kivu.
Context Summary The humanitarian situation in North Kivu remains unstable, due to attacks against civilians, military operations and clashes between armed groups, in particular the FDLR and Mai‐Mai militias, and the FARDC. The accelerated integration of rebel elements in the Congolese Army has also been an ongoing factor of insecurity and political instability during this period. Local populations have criticized the slow process in restoring State Authority in the areas newly controlled by the Government. Monthly protection recommendations provided by the Protection Custer to MONUC aimed to improve protection of civilians.
January 2010 3
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Displacement Displaced Overall data on displacement suggest a decrease on number of IDPs when Territory comparing current data with the third quarter of 2009. Between October and persons December 2009, almost 110,000 displaced people were registered in Lubero Beni 7 965 (40%) and Walikale (30%) in Walikale, Masisi, Lubero and Beni territories. The Butembo 5 750 total number of IDPs in North Kivu has been Lubero 323 868 Déplacement par territoire ( 2005 - 2010 ) estimated at 767,339. Masisi 194 190 More than 600,000 Nyiragongo 1 710 Beni 13,64% were displaced during Rutshuru 129 201 Butembo 16,84% 1,04% 2009. Lubero 0,22% 0,75% Walikale 104 655 Masisi Total 767 339 Nyiragongo Underlying reasons for Rutshuru Walikale population movement in the province have been associated to (i) rebel activities such as FDLR and Mai‐ 25,31% 42,21% Mai self‐defence groups operating in Lubero, Ruthsuru, Masisi and Walikale and (ii) preventive movement undertaken by population fearing the military operation Kimia II or its consequences (West Lubero and Walikale the most affected areas).
About 80% of all IDPs in North Kivu are residing in host families while only 15% of the IDP population is living in camps. The majority of the displaced population indicated ‘armed attacks’ as the main reason for displacement (75%). Preventive movement accounts for about 10% of reasons behind displacement.
Returns The political changes on the landscape of North Kivu – the March 26, 2009 Returned Territory peace agreement signed between CNDP and GovDRC, has created persons conditions for return in areas controlled by CNDP in the past. As a consequence, an increased number of returns have been observed in Lubero 410 750 Lubero, Rutshuru and Masisi during 2009. The return to areas of origin from Masisi 178 878 IDP camps around Goma (September 2009) appears to be linked to the start Nyiragongo 1 090 up of the planting season and the beginning of the school rather than to security improvement in those areas. In Rutshuru, where insecurity and lack Rutshuru 260 662 of socio‐economic activities has hindered a full return process; commuting Walikale 3 685 between villages of origin and displacement areas (host families) has Total 855 065 become the IDPs’ coping strategy in this territory.
Data on return movement suggest a slowdown on the return process (last quarter of 2009). Main reasons Retour par territoire (2009-2010) behind this slowdown appear to be: (i) lack of State
Authorities in the newly controlled areas and; (ii) 0,7% insecurity linked to the military operations Kimia II. 33,0% 31,1% The total figures indicate that around 525,000 people Lubero had returned to home areas (registered during 2009). Masisi The main areas of return are: Masisi (35%), Lubero Nyiragongo (33%) and Rutshuru (31%). Verification of the figures Rutshuru continues to be difficult in Lubero due to Walikale “commuting” strategy among IDPs. In the last three 0,2% 35,0% month of 2009, 60,402 returnees were registered by partners.
January 2010 4
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Concerning the nature of settlement, the 95% of returnees have returned and repossessed their own houses/properties while 5% are residing with host families. The general perception of the improvement of security (95%) has been the main reason behind this return movement.
Trends There is a general sense of ‘deceleration’ on the population movement in the province, displacement and return, when looking at the data from 2009. The analysis of the information collected shows a slightly decreased in displacement. Similar trend appears in data collected in return areas. In general, the return movement appears to be slowing down. Community based activities by the humanitarian community and development actors as well as the installation of state authorities may encourage return movement.
Figures : Displacement Displacements in North Kivu, DRC – From January to December 2009
October ‐ July ‐ September January ‐ March Territory April ‐ June 2009 Total December 2009 2009 2009 Beni 2 285 2 695 4 980 Butembo 5 750 5 750 Lubero 43 070 123 910 11 778 142 400 321 158 Masisi 13 466 17 200 46 006 40 705 117 377 Nyiragongo Rutshuru 11 402 7 801 21 659 8 194 49 056 Walikale 32 385 29 760 10 340 32 170 104 655 Total 108 358 181 366 89 783 223 469 602 976 Grand Total 602 976 494 618 313 252 223 469
Displacements in North Kivu, DRC – From January to December 2009 Percentage per territory October ‐ July ‐ September January ‐ March Territory April ‐ June 2009 Total December 2009 2009 2009 Beni 2,11% 1,49% 0,83% Butembo 5,31% 0,95% Lubero 39,75% 68,32% 13,12% 63,72% 53,26% Masisi 12,43% 9,48% 51,24% 18,22% 19,47% Nyiragongo Rutshuru 10,52% 4,30% 24,12% 3,67% 8,14% Walikale 29,89% 16,41% 11,52% 14,40% 17,36% Total 100,00% 100,00% 100,00% 100,00% 100,00%
January 2010 5
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Figures : Return Returns in North Kivu, DRC ‐ 2009 October ‐ July ‐ April ‐ June January ‐ Territory December September Total 2009 March 2009 2009 2009 Beni Butembo Lubero 20 975 22 720 135 555 179 250 Masisi 39 427 65 829 38 603 31 560 175 419 Nyiragongo 1 090 1 090 Rutshuru 10 149 5 440 153 203 168 792 Walikale 3 685 3 685 Total 60 402 99 788 47 728 320 318 528 236 Grand Total 528 236 467 834 368 046 320 318
Returns in North Kivu, DRC ‐ 2009 Percentage per territory October ‐ July ‐ April ‐ June January ‐ Mars Territory December September Total 2009 2009 2009 2009 Beni Butembo Lubero 34,73% 22,77% 42,32% 33,93% Masisi 65,27% 65,97% 80,88% 9,85% 33,21% Nyiragongo 1,09% 0,21% Rutshuru 10,17% 11,40% 47,83% 31,95% Walikale 7,72% 0,70% Total 100,00% 100,00% 100,00% 100,00% 100,00%
2.2. SOUTH KIVU
Displacement: More than 47,000 newly displaced in the period October‐December 2009. More than 23,000 only during the month of December
Returns: The fourth quarter of 2009 has registered a decreased return of population by 76% compared to the third quarter of 2009
General Context Following the ongoing military operations (Kimia II) against the FDLR in some territories of the province of South Kivu such as Shabunda, Kalehe, Mwenga, Walungu, Uvira and Fizi, the security situation continued to deteriorate throughout the province of South Kivu during the last quarter of 2009.
January 2010 6
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Security conditions have worsened in areas of Bunyakiri, Kalonge, Kigulube, the High Plains of Uvira and in Kimbi and Lulenge in Fizi territory, as well as in the chiefdom of Wamuzimu in Mwenga territory, and the chiefdom of Wakabango in Shabunda. As a reaction to the attacks carried out by government forces, the FDLR fighters have launched attacks against the local population and villages.
Displacements At the end of December 2009, the total number of IDPs registered by the Total Territory Committee de Movement des Populations in South Kivu was 730,941 people. Displaced Compared to the figures of November 2009 (707,187), in December there has been an increase of 23,754 new displaced. This increase is largely due to the movement Bukavu 0 of people in the areas such as the Kimbi‐Lulenge sector in the Fizi territory, in Fizi 9028 Kitutu in the Mwenga territory and in southern Shabunda. Kabare 0 Kalehe 16115 For the entire 4th quarter of 2009 from the month of October to December, the Mwenga 13640 province of South Kivu has registered a total of 47,182 displaced in seven Shabunda 715 territories. Uvira 7554 Walungu 130
Total 47182
IDPs South Kivu
Walungu Bukavu Fizi Uvira 4% 3% 7% 8% Kabare Shabunda 11% 10%
Mwenga 5%
Kalehe 52%
Returns As indicated in the table below, during the last quarter of 2009 only the territory of Uvira has registered the return of 3,346. Other returns were reported in areas of Mwenga and Kalehe, but the information hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, compared to the third quarter of 2009, which had registered 11,975 returns, the fourth quarter has registered a very low level of return, with a decrease of 72.06%. This score significantly negative is mainly due to the deteriorating security situation in areas of return.
January 2010 7
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
January-March July-September October-December Before 2009 April-June 2009 Total Territory 2009 2009 2009 HH Pers. HH Pers. HH Pers. HH Pers. HH Pers. HH Pers. Bukavu 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 Fizi 409 2045 2866 14330 3601800 0 0 0 0 3635 18175 Kabare 6714 33570 0 0 0 0 40 200 0 0 6754 33770 Kalehe 0 0 4329 21645 4112055 0 0 3 11 4743 23711 Mwenga 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 Shabunda 6206 31030 0 0 0 0 446 2230 0 0 6652 33260 Uvira 821 4105 0 0 0 0 1909 9545 666 3335 3396 16985 Walungu 11318 56590 4109 20545 800 4000 0 0 0 0 16227 81135 Total 25468 127340 11304 56520 1571 7855 2395 11975 669 3346 41407 207036
Returnees in South Kivu
Bukavu 9%
Fizi Uvira 16% 40%
Kabare 11%
Shabunda Kalehe Mwenga 8% 0% 16%
Trends During the fourth quarter of 2009, returns have been observed mainly in the territory of Uvira (Middle and High Plains of Lemera) but it was halted by the deteriorating security conditions in areas of return. Some returnees have been forced back to new displacements. This situation may persist in the next months or even worsen due to a re‐engagement of former armed groups who oppose any integration into the government army.
2.3. ITURI DISTRICT (ORIENTALE)
Displacement: As of December 2009, it has been registered a decreased number of IDPs (8%)
Returns: Very limited returns in the Irumu territory during the month of December Return of populations to their area of origin almost over
General Context
January 2010 8
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
The continued presence of militia elements in Southern Irumu territory, known as Front Populaire pour la Justice au Congo (FPJC) and Front de Résistance des Patriotes de l’Ituri (FRPI), continues to be an obstacle to the return of internally displaced persons to their villages of origin. The vast majority of the IDPs are from the Walendu Bindi Collectivity in Southern Irumu territory.
Displacements During the reporting period no further IDPs have been registered from the territory of Faradje (Haut Uélé district) into the territory of Aru (Ituri district). During the month of September 2009, 2,035 new IDPs arrived in Aru from the territory of Faradje bringing the total number of IDPs to 42,556 people. This number has remained stable over the last quarter of 2009.
IDPs Ituri
Mambasa Mahagi 2% 0% Aru 26%
Irumu Djugu 59% 13%
From October to December 2009 the LRA attacks have been reported in the northwestern part of the territory of Faradje, closer to South Sudan and the territory of Irumu is the theatre of recurring armed clashes. The FRPI / FLSC militia attacks in southern Irumu have caused the displacement in the town of Gety, it has been reported a total displacement of nearly 10,000 people while, at the same time, some displaced people have started to return. More than 5,000 people in the territory of Irumu who moved from the territory of Mambasa during the period of the interethnic conflicts in 2002‐2003, are now considered as locally integrated following an evaluation conducted by the agencies in this region. In total, December 2009 has registered a decrease in the number of displaced by 8% due to some returns in the territory of Irumu.
Returns Except for the territory of Irumu, where the activities of the militia are still ongoing and therefore preventing the return of IDPs to their land of origin, the return of populations to their villages is almost over. During the last twelve months only 112,788 have returned to their area of origin, almost 95% of the over 2 million returnees were registered in the period before 2009.
January 2010 9
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Retournees Ituri
Mambasa Mahagi 1% 36%
Aru 1%
Djugu 46% Irumu 16%
Trends The people of Southern Irumu territory are still exposed to security threats due to the activities of FPJC/FRPI militia forces and the ongoing FARDC military operation. Attempts by the FARDC to pursue military operations against the militias will result in population displacements, on the one hand, and attacks on FARDC positions by militias in a bid to gain more grounds will oblige civilians to flee to safety. Ongoing LRA activities in Haut‐Uele are likely to produce spillover effects in Ituri.
2.4. HAUT AND BAS UELE DISTRICT (ORIENTALE)
Displacement: Increased number of IDPs in Niangara (+32%) and Rungu (+63%)
Returns: No significant returnes have been registered during the last quarter of 2009
General Context In the last Quarter 2009, LRA elements launched 72 attacks on Bas and Haut Uele, killing 149 persons and abducting 202. The humanitarian consequences of these vicious attacks are heavy. Over 340,000 persons have been displaced up to 31st December with a cumulative toll (since December 2007) estimated at 1,496 persons massacred in cold blood and 2,471 abducted civilians, including 699 children in Haut Uele and Bas Uele.
Displacements Following the 14 reported LRA attacks in the last quarter of 2009, the territory of Total Territory Niangara experienced a 32% increase in the number of displaced. The territory of Displaced Rungu registered an increase of 63% due to LRA attacks in the neighboring territory of Niangara. Dungu 112207 Faradje 64550
Niangara 32810
Rungu 22455 In total, the district of Haut Uélé experienced an average increase of 9% in the Watsa 7188 number of displaced during the last quarter. Total 239210
January 2010 10
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
IDPs Haut Uele IDPs Bas Uele
Watsa Rungu 3% 9% Bondo 8% Bambesa 14% Niangara 14% Buta Dungu 1% 47%
Territoire d'Ango 58% Poko 19%
Faradje 27%
From October to December 2009 the number of displaced in Bas Uélé has increased by 16%. This increase is mainly due to the influx of 8,080 displaced by the LRA attacks in the localities of Sukadi and Digba during the month of December 2009 in the territory of Ango, by contrast, in the city of Ango it has been reported a return of 6,750 people. These are returnees who preventively escaped from Ango in June 2009 to Sukadi and the northern areas.
Returns The volatile security situation in the Haut and Bas Uele districts following the attacks of the LRA explains the absence of any significant wave of return. Some areas in the territory of Ango have seen a shy return of the population where the sense of security is given by the presence of FARDC, MONUC and in some cases the Ugandan army (UPDF).
Trends The presence of LRA rebels in the districts of Haut‐Uele and Bas‐Uele is a factor hampering the return and will continue to cause displacement in this part of the Orientale Province.
2.5. EQUATEUR
Displacement: Since October 2009 it is estimated that about 60,000 persons have been displaced in the South Ubangi district
Returns: No significant returns have been registered so far
Displacements In October and November 2009 the Equateur province, situated in the north west of the country, has witnessed some inter‐ethnic fighting over disputed land and fishing rights, the clashes erupted near Dongo in the Kungu territory. During the last three months of the year the situation escalated and the violence spread south which resulted in massive displacement of people. Currently it is estimated that about 60.000 people have been displaced, but due to the volatile security situation and limited access it is difficult to verify the information.
January 2010 11
Population Movements in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
More than 84,000 people have escaped across the river into the Republic of Congo (RoC) and about 15,000 are reported to be in the Central African Republic (CAR)
Returns No returns have been registered so far.
Trends The situation is currently reported calm but volatile and populations are still hiding in the forest surrounding the villages previously attacked by the insurgents. The populations who fled to the Republic of Congo outnumber the local population and they might stay for a while until the security situation across the border is guaranteed. Since it appears that the origin of fighting is related to inter‐ethnic disputes the return of one ethnic group or another could be the main triggering factor for new clashes and further displacements.
2.6. IMPORTANT NOTE
This report is intended to reflect on main trends of population internal displacement and return trends in the provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the recent months. The information contained in this report is based on the monitoring work conducted by the provincial Population Movement Commissions (CMP) in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri Districts of Province Orientale. The figures obtained through the Commissions are estimations, and they represent the joint work of provincial government officials, local communities, UN agencies and national and international NGOs on the ground.
The CMPs were originally established with the aim of strengthening coordination among all actors concerned with displaced populations in DRC. The CMPs were also intended to act as an early warning mechanism that would alert partners of new movements of population reported to encourage a follow up in terms of registration and assistance, if needed. The CMPs are the only existing fora that specifically collect and consolidate all information made available by partners on IDPs and returnees.
The CMPs meet monthly to update and maintain basic data on numbers of IDPs, localities, dates of displacement and assistance provided. The data compiled reflects only totals of displacement figures by localities within a territory. Data is not disaggregated to reflect age, gender, or vulnerability figures, nor any individual profiles of the displaced.
In accordance with the Guiding Principles of Internal Displacement, once IDPs have been registered in a specific locality, they continue to be considered displaced populations until proof is obtained of their return or their reintegration. Figures are cumulative and include not only the new displacements but also those that have been displaced since several years (usually since 2005). Nevertheless, a re‐evaluation of areas of displacements to up‐date the available figures have been made in accessible areas.
January 2010 12