North Kivu: Thousands of displaced people and returnees without humanitarian assistance in Bwito chiefdom

Thousands of displaced people and returnees are living in difficult conditions in Bwito chiefdom, Rutshuru territory, including in Bwalanda, where host families have sheltered them without humanitarian assistance for several months. The Mutanda Population Movement Commission says displacement began with an initial wave in July and continues amid clashes between the FARDC, backed by Wazalendo groups, and fighters from the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation. People fled villages in Rutshuru, Lubero, Masisi and Walikale for Bwalanda, Mutanda, Katolo and Kashalira. Displaced families lack food, adequate shelter, livelihoods and access to healthcare, while host communities are under heavy strain.