Kinshasa, DRC — April 16, 2026 The Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Ituri province is addressing a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 60,000 individuals displaced as a result of escalating armed violence in the Mambasa territory.
As of March 31, 2026, the province is home to 926,300 internally displaced persons (IDPs), reflecting a dramatic increase in displacement figures.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that the NiaNia and Lolwa health zones in Mambasa have been targeted by numerous armed attacks. These attacks have resulted in at least 87 civilian deaths and the abduction of over 390 individuals, including women and children.
The security situation has also led to the closure of 23 schools in Mambasa, impacting over 5,400 students.
The Ituri province, long a volatile region in the DRC, has been marked by conflict and humanitarian crises. Various armed groups, such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Cobra Maisha (CODECO), have been responsible for frequent displacements and human rights abuses.
The region’s challenges extend beyond conflict, encompassing governance, economic development, and access to basic services. OCHA’s latest report indicates that the humanitarian situation is expected to remain in IPC Phase 3 (Crisis) through September 2026, driven by food stock depletion and ongoing insecurity. This phase signifies acute food insecurity, with food consumption at a minimum and high rates of acute malnutrition.
Human Rights Watch has emphasized the impact of armed groups on the civilian population, calling for increased efforts to protect the population and ensure accountability for human rights violations. Amidst the escalating crisis, there is an urgent need for humanitarian assistance and support to alleviate the suffering of the affected population. International organizations and humanitarian partners are working diligently to provide aid, but the scale of the crisis necessitates a coordinated and sustained effort to address the needs of the displaced and vulnerable communities in the Ituri province.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
