Since 1998, civilians in the North Kivu province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have been caught in the middle of a battle for control between local and foreign militias, the Congolese army, and UN forces. In late 2007, new waves of fighting began more massive displacements of an already weakened population. Many are said to be living in the forest without adequate shelter, water, medical care or food, and under the continuous threat of insecurity, too scared to travel to health clinics.
In North Kivu, MSF currently has projects in Rutshuru, Masisi, Lubero, Walikale, and Goma districts, with a total of 475 Congolese staff and 45 international staff.
Field News
Permanent Emergency in North Kivu March 12, 2008
Despite a ceasefire agreement between the government and armed groups, insecurity persists and the population is still on the run. The head of mission in DRC describes how MSF is scaling up activities.
Voices from the Field
North Kivu, DRC: "I saw how desperate the population is..." January 28, 2008
MSF emergency coordinator Philippe Havet was in Masisi during violent clashes between armed groups from August to December 2007. Here, he describes working in the heart of a conflict zone.
Video
Civilians Flee Fighting December 17, 2007
In North Kivu province, intense fighting has triggered massive population displacements. MSF has increased its operations, but access is severely hampered due to insecurity.
Audio Slideshow
The impact of violence in North Kivu November 2007
Jane Coyne, MSF head of mission in North Kivu, describes the consequences of this latest round of fighting in North Kivu in an audio photographic slideshow with images taken by photojournalist Marcus Bleasdale.
In Rutshuru, spike in violence impacts medical care November 13, 2007
Clashes have forced tens of thousands to flee in search of safety, with many settling in the Rutshuru
area. At the town hospital, MSF is handling a sharp increase in the number of patients.
Interview
Displaced people dying from preventable diseases November 13, 2007
Jane Coyne, MSF head of mission in DRC, describes the frustration of seeing scores of civilians die from the inability to access health care.
