EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The neighbouring eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu are once again in the throes of a complex situation in which civilians are paying a heavy price. At the source of the latest crisis is the Congolese government's ambition to restore peace and security in the east through military operations. While peace and security are laudable goals, the military operations, which are targeting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) armed group, are having devastating impact on innocent civilians. Since the launch of the military campaigns some six months ago, an estimated total of 800,000 people- 350,000 in North Kuvi and 450,000 in South Kivu- have been displaced in these two provinces. The total number of IDPs in the country currently stands at 1.7 million.
