Press Release: DR Congo: 37,000 people displaced in four days amid resurgence of fighting in North Kivu

Renewed clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and presumed M23 armed group were reported in Rutshuru Territory on 22 May. Over the past three days, violence has spread to Nyiragongo Territory, close to the town of Goma, forcing at least 37,000 people to flee their homes. Displaced families who have found shelter in churches and schools are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, warns the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Heavy fighting has disrupted the delivery of aid - further north, on the border with Uganda, at least 19,000 people remain deprived of vital assistance. NRC and other humanitarian actors have voiced their concerns that the intensity and rapid spread of violence to the neighbouring areas will severely hamper humanitarian access to already vulnerable families.