OCHA DRC POPULATION MOVEMENTS IN EASTERN DR CONGO OCTOBER DECEMBER 2009

Transcription

1 OCHA DRC POPULATION MOVEMENTS IN EASTERN DR CONGO OCTOBER DECEMBER January

2 1. OVERVIEW The humanitarian situation and movement of populations in 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, 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 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. 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. 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 Haut Uele Bas Uele Ituri North Kivu South Kivu Equateur Katanga Note: Ituri, Haut Uele and Bas Uele are districts of the Orientale province During the reporting period (October December ) some displacements have been reported in the Katanga province where about 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, 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, it is estimated that about 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

3 IDPs per Province 3% 1% 12% 3% 36% 8% Haut Uele Bas Uele Ituri North Kivu South Kivu Equateur Katanga 37% As of December 31, 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 displaced persons in North Kivu ( were displaced during ) 42,21% of displaced are now in the Lubero territory Returns: decreased numbers During the last three months, about people have returned to Lubero and Masisi. Since January, 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

4 Displacement Overall data on displacement suggest a decrease on number of IDPs when comparing current data with the third quarter of. Between October and December, almost 110,000 displaced people were registered in Lubero (40%) and Walikale (30%) in Walikale, Masisi, Lubero and Beni territories. The total number of IDPs in North Kivu has been Déplacement par territoire ( ) estimated at 767,339. More than 600,000 Beni 13,64% were displaced during Butembo 16,84% 1,04%. Lubero Masisi 0,22% 0,75% Displaced persons Beni Butembo Lubero Masisi Nyiragongo Rutshuru Walikale Nyiragongo Underlying reasons for Rutshuru population movement in the province have been Walikale 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 Returned persons Lubero Masisi Nyiragongo Rutshuru Walikale The political changes on the landscape of North Kivu the March 26, peace agreement signed between CNDP and GovDRC, has created conditions for return in areas controlled by CNDP in the past. As a consequence, an increased number of returns have been observed in Lubero, Rutshuru and Masisi during. The return to areas of origin from IDP camps around Goma (September ) appears to be linked to the start 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 of socio economic activities has hindered a full return process; commuting between villages of origin and displacement areas (host families) has become the IDPs coping strategy in this territory. Data on return movement suggest a slowdown on the return process (last quarter of ). Main reasons behind this slowdown appear to be: (i) lack of State Authorities in the newly controlled areas and; (ii) insecurity linked to the military operations Kimia II. The total figures indicate that around 525,000 people had returned to home areas (registered during ). The main areas of return are: Masisi (35%), Lubero (33%) and Rutshuru (31%). Verification of the figures continues to be difficult in Lubero due to commuting strategy among IDPs. In the last three month of, 60,402 returnees were registered by partners. 31,1% 0,2% Retour par territoire (-2010) 0,7% 33,0% 35,0% Lubero Masisi Nyiragongo Rutshuru Walikale January

5 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. 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 October December July September April June January March Beni Butembo Lubero Masisi Nyiragongo Rutshuru Walikale Grand Displacements in North Kivu, DRC From January to December Percentage per territory October December July September April June January March 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% 100,00% 100,00% 100,00% 100,00% 100,00% January

6 Figures : Return October December Returns in North Kivu, DRC July September April June January March Beni Butembo Lubero Masisi Nyiragongo Rutshuru Walikale Grand October December Returns in North Kivu, DRC Percentage per territory July September April June January Mars 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% 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. More than 23,000 only during the month of December Returns: The fourth quarter of has registered a decreased return of population by 76% compared to the third quarter of 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. January

7 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, the total number of IDPs registered by the Committee de Movement des Populations in South Kivu was 730,941 people. Compared to the figures of November (707,187), in December there has been an increase of 23,754 new displaced. This increase is largely due to the movement of people in the areas such as the Kimbi Lulenge sector in the Fizi territory, in Kitutu in the Mwenga territory and in southern Shabunda. For the entire 4th quarter of from the month of October to December, the province of South Kivu has registered a total of 47,182 displaced in seven territories. Displaced Bukavu 0 Fizi 9028 Kabare 0 Kalehe Mwenga Shabunda 715 Uvira 7554 Walungu IDPs South Kivu Shabunda 10% Uvira 8% Walungu 4% Bukavu 3% Fizi 7% Kabare 11% Mwenga 5% Kalehe 52% Returns As indicated in the table below, during the last quarter of 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, 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

8 Before January-March April-June July-September October-December HH Pers. HH Pers. HH Pers. HH Pers. HH Pers. HH Pers. Bukavu Fizi Kabare Kalehe Mwenga Shabunda Uvira Walungu Returnees in South Kivu Bukavu 9% Uvira 40% Fizi 16% Kabare 11% Shabunda 8% Mwenga 16% Kalehe 0% Trends During the fourth quarter of, 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 ITURI DISTRICT (ORIENTALE) Displacement: As of December, 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

9 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, 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. IDPs Ituri Mahagi 0% Mambasa 2% Aru 26% Irumu 59% Djugu 13% From October to December 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 , are now considered as locally integrated following an evaluation conducted by the agencies in this region. In total, December 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. January

10 Retournees Ituri Mahagi 36% Mambasa 1% Aru 1% Irumu 16% Djugu 46% 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 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 General Context In the last Quarter, 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, the territory of Niangara experienced a 32% increase in the number of displaced. The territory of Rungu registered an increase of 63% due to LRA attacks in the neighboring territory of Niangara. In total, the district of Haut Uélé experienced an average increase of 9% in the number of displaced during the last quarter. Displaced Dungu Faradje Niangara Rungu Watsa January

11 IDPs Haut Uele IDPs Bas Uele Niangara 14% Rungu 9% Watsa 3% Dungu 47% Bondo 8% Bambesa 14% Buta 1% Territoire d'ango 58% Poko 19% Faradje 27% From October to December 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 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 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 EQUATEUR Displacement: Since October 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 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 people have been displaced, but due to the volatile security situation and limited access it is difficult to verify the information. January

12 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 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