Highlights
National: On 5 November the M23 movement, a major politico-military force in North Kivu, announced the end of its rebellion. The announcement followed successful military operations by the UN-backed Congolese armed forces. Many other armed groups have begun to demand demobilization and reintegra-tion. This potentially important momentum for the peace process as outlined in the regional Peace and Security Framework (PSF) should be accompanied by a national DDR program, which is still pending approval at the ministerial level.
National: the Special Representative of the Secretary General for Children in Armed Conflict (SRSG-CAAC), Ms. Leila Zerrougui, visited DRC from 18 to 23 November. Accompanied by the UNICEF Representative, she met with many high level officials, civil society organizations, FARDC/PNC and children, raising important issues of violence against children affected by armed conflict in DRC.
Rutshuru, Nyiragongo: FARDC-led offensives against M23 led to the displace-ment of 2,500 households in Kanyarucinya and 6,000 in Ntamugenga, Khako and Rutshuru centre. They all returned to their villages soon after FARDC took control of the areas. Needs assessments by sector started on 13 November in coordination between State and humanitarian actors. Around 100 households displaced in camps around Goma have also returned. Government has started sensitizing populations displaced in camps around Goma to return to Nyira-gongo and Rutshuru, and helped 611 households return on 23 November to initiate a larger movement. List of return intentions will be available soon.
South Irumu: Population returns towards Bukiringi and Aveba. Over 2,200 re-turnee households, mostly women and children, have been identified on Geti-Aveba axis. Schools have re-started in Geti, Bukiringi and Aveba, but displaced people still sleep in classrooms at night. Handover of RRMP activities in Laghabo, Malo and Soke sites has started.
Katanga: The surrendering of Mayi Mayi groups continues. In Manono on 14 November, the head of Bakata Katanga Mayi Mayi group surrendered with around 190 combatants, including children and women. UNICEF and partners monitor the inclusion of children in its demobilization program. Displacement due to fighting between FARDC and Mayi Mayi has been registered during the period, particularly in Manono, Mitwaba, and Pweto.