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DR Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo - Complex Emergency

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KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Conflict between the Enyele and Munzaya ethnic groups over fishing and farming rights near Dongo town in Sud Ubangi District, Equateur Province, began in late October 2009, according to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The conflict has resulted in significant population displacement within Equateur Province and into neighboring Republic of Congo (RoC) and Central African Republic (CAR).

From December 17 to 19, the U.S. Embassy in Brazzaville Deputy Chief of Mission and a Kampala-based U.S. Department of State Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (State/PRM) Regional Refugee Coordinator visited Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) refugee sites in the RoC. Following the visit, U.S. Government (USG) representatives noted concerns regarding inadequate shelter, food insecurity, and depleted coping mechanisms anticipated in the coming months.

The joint Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and U.N. Mission in the DRC (MONUC) operation Kimia II against Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR) forces in South Kivu Province, which began in January 2009, ended on December 31, 2009. On January 1, 2010, FARDC and MONUC commenced operation Amani Leo, scheduled to continue for three months, to combat ongoing FDLR presence in South Kivu Province. According to MONUC, the operation plans to protect civilian populations as well as support Government of the DRC stabilization efforts.

Nyamulagira volcano, located approximately 30 km from Goma city in North Kivu Province, erupted on January 1 and 2. According to USAID/OFDA field staff, the eruption had ceased as of January 20. Lava flows did not reach roads or populated areas, and ashfall had significantly subsided.