Crisis overview
Since August 2016, armed clashes between militia loyal to Kamuina Nsapu (KN) and the Armed Forces of DRC (FARDC) have occurred in Kasai-Central, Kasai Oriental, Kasai, Lomami, and Sankuru. As of mid-April 2017, at least 400 deaths have been recorded, including many civilians, but the number is likely higher. As of 27 April, at least 1.17 million people had been internally displaced due to clashes since August 2016, of whom 140,000 since mid-April. An additional 9,000 people have crossed the border into Angola in April, where there is now over 11,000 refugees. Figures are likely underestimated due to lack of access.
Key findings
Anticipated scope and scale
Clashes are expected to continue in Kasai-Central, Kasai Oriental, Kasai, Lomami, and Sankuru, and to further spread in the neighbouring provinces of Lualaba and Haut-Lomami, driving further displacement. Conflict dynamics are evolving along ethnic lines, which could trigger new displacement.
Priorities for humanitarian intervention
Food: Displaced population faces food insecurity as food stock and animals have been looted. Agricultural activities have been disrupted.
Health: In the province of Kasai-Central one in three health centres are no longer functional. Many health facilities are nonoperational or non-accessible. In the same province, lack of medicines has been reported as access is limited, hindering supplies.
Protection: 2,000 have been recruited by KN militia, and many more are at high risk of recruitment by militia. 4,000 children have been separated from their families due to conflict induced displacement.
Humanitarian constraints
Humanitarian access has been severely constrained due to conflict. Seven out of 16 territories in the five conflict-affected areas are not accessible due to security constraints.