DRC Moves to Track South Kivu 1.6M Returnees After Border Reopens

The Democratic Republic of Congo says it is stepping up humanitarian monitoring in South Kivu after a government briefing reported that 1,639,708 people had returned to the province between November 1, 2024, and April 30, 2026.

Minister of State for Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity Ève Bazaiba presented the update for the period from May 10 to 16 during the Council of Ministers meeting held on May 22.

The government said the returns were recorded across several territories and cities, with Uvira, Kalehe, Walungu and Fizi among the most affected areas.

Authorities linked the movement to efforts to restore state authority and reopen cross-border trade after months of disruption caused by security tensions involving AFC/M23.

The figures come as OCHA reported about 1.64 million returnees in South Kivu as of April 30, alongside 1.49 million internally displaced people in the province.

The wider humanitarian situation remains fragile. The European Commission announced new aid for the Great Lakes region earlier this year, warning that conflict in eastern DRC continues to stretch food, water and shelter resources.

Kinshasa says continued monitoring will focus on population movements, humanitarian needs, storm damage and areas still affected by insecurity in eastern DRC.