UN Envoy Assesses Returnee Needs in Conflict-Affected Eastern Congo

A United Nations delegation traveled to Kimoka in North Kivu, a region currently under the control of M23 rebels, to assess the living conditions of communities affected by recent conflict. According to Africanews, the visit took place on Friday and focused specifically on returnees who have moved back into areas previously devastated by violence. The timing of the assessment is significant, as it coincides with the Democratic Republic of Congo facing its most severe Ebola outbreak in recent history, creating a complex humanitarian landscape where recovery and disease containment efforts intersect.

During the visit, the envoy engaged directly with women working in local agricultural fields, inspecting their harvests and listening to their specific requests for support. The interactions highlighted the immediate economic pressures facing these families, who are attempting to rebuild their livelihoods in an unstable environment. The UN team sought to understand what resources are necessary to strengthen the resilience of these communities, moving beyond immediate aid to address longer-term socioeconomic stability.

Livelihoods and agricultural support

Damien Mama, the coordinator of United Nations humanitarian activities in the country, noted that the women emphasized a critical need for livestock and secure farmland. These resources are seen as essential for improving food security and restoring economic independence. The FAO has been involved in providing funding to beneficiaries like Sifa Asifiwe, who described the arrival of support as a welcome development amidst significant hardship. This agricultural assistance is part of a broader strategy to help displaced individuals reintegrate into their home communities and reduce their dependence on emergency relief.

Humanitarian agencies report that approximately 30,384 people, representing about 5,064 households, had returned to the Kimoka and Saké areas by early February 2025. In Masisi territory, more than 1,400 individuals, predominantly women returning from displacement camps, are currently benefiting from farming support and socioeconomic reintegration projects. Displaced persons have indicated that health conditions, particularly among children, have improved due to better nutrition derived from these agricultural efforts, suggesting a tangible link between food production and public health outcomes in these regions.

Concurrent health crisis and displacement

While the focus of the recent visit was on post-conflict recovery, the broader context remains fraught with danger. According to the United Nations, approximately 95,000 people remain displaced near Goma due to ongoing violence by armed groups. This sustained displacement complicates efforts to stabilize the region, as a large population remains dependent on humanitarian assistance and lacks access to basic services. The coexistence of armed conflict and a major epidemic creates a dual challenge for aid workers, who must navigate both security risks and health emergencies simultaneously.

Figures released this week by Congolese authorities indicate that the Ebola outbreak has resulted in 3,398 deaths and 7,022 confirmed cases. This health crisis adds a layer of urgency to the humanitarian response, as medical teams face difficult conditions in their race to contain the spread of the virus. The interplay between the Ebola outbreak and the displacement crisis means that even those who have returned home face significant health risks, underscoring the need for integrated approaches that address both medical and socioeconomic needs.

Forward challenges and regional stability

As the UN continues its assessment, the primary focus remains on determining how to sustain the gains made in agricultural support and health improvements. The success of these initiatives will depend on the ability to maintain security in M23-controlled areas and to coordinate effectively with local authorities and other international partners. The next steps involve monitoring the impact of the provided support on household resilience and adjusting strategies to address emerging needs, particularly in light of the ongoing Ebola crisis.

Observers will be watching for any developments in the security situation that could hinder humanitarian access or exacerbate displacement. Additionally, the response to the Ebola outbreak will be a critical indicator of the system's capacity to handle concurrent crises. The coming weeks will likely see increased coordination between health agencies and livelihood support programs, aiming to create a more robust framework for recovery that can withstand the pressures of both conflict and disease.