Clashes between the advancing militant movement M23, backed by Rwanda, and the Congolese army are causing great difficulties for the civilian population in extensive areas. M23 has also driven the Congolese army out of large parts of the provinces of North and South Kivu.
In less than three months, the number of Congolese fleeing to neighboring countries has exceeded 100,000, confirms a spokesperson for UNHCR on Friday.
The destruction is particularly extensive in the metropolis of Goma:
"Places in and around Goma in North Kivu, which previously housed around 400,000 internally displaced persons, have been completely destroyed. Families lack both shelter and protection", writes the UN agency in a statement, noting that reduced economic support makes it difficult to rebuild what has been destroyed.
