Highlights and Situation Overview
The first half of 2013 saw a rapid deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the DRC, with upsurges in conflict, violence and displacement in previously less-affected areas such as Maniema, central Katanga and refugee movements from the Central African Republic (CAR) into remote areas of Equateur and Orientale provinces. (see OCHA map on page 2)
OCHA now estimates that the total displaced population at 2.6 million people. Over 70% of these displaced live in host families and not in collective sites or camps. As such at least another 1.5 million people are also directly affected by the conflict as host families--who often host more than one family.
From January to end of June 2013 a major outbreak of cholera have been reported with a total of 18,099 cases and 331 deaths (1.8% lethality) with the majority of cases (62%) and fatalities (78%) in Katanga province. The same period also saw epidemics in measles, yellow fever, and malaria.
This period was also marked by an overall increase (56%) of verified grave violations against children with 871 verified cases compared to 1,115 for all of 2012.
In Katanga province alone, a total of 850 schools impacted by conflict in Katanga province alone; 103 of which (12%) are no longer usable (totally destroyed or burned)
In Equateur and Orientale provinces, there are now nearly 43,000 refugees from CAR; 41% are children between 3-17 years old.
Displacement and some returned continued at the same rate in the conflict-affected area of the Kivu’s and Orientale province. Armed confrontation continues throughout the region between the FARDC and a dozens of domestic and foreign non-state combatants including the ACPLS, ADF/NALU, FDLR, M23, Raia Mutomboki, and multiple Mai-Mai factions. Peace negotiations with the M23 militia in Kampala are at a stale-mate.
Under the UN Security Council Resolution 2098, the new Force Intervention Brigade with a peace enforcement mandate, is now at 75% of capacity. There is great concern about potential humanitarian consequences which may result from the engagement or lack of the Brigade’s engagement with different armed groups and factions.
The head of state has called for “national consultations” on the state of the nation by different political structures and parties. The opposition has called for an all-inclusive national dialogue to include a broader-based constituency.