South Kivu: Over 1,900 displaced households in Kalonge remain without assistance
Internally displaced households have been living without any support ©picture tiers
Kalonge, Kalehe Territory. The humanitarian situation in Kalonge remains alarming. Since March 2025, more than 1,900 internally displaced households have been living without any support from humanitarian partners or the Congolese government, according to a local humanitarian actor who requested anonymity.
These families fled violence in Katana, Minova, Kavumu, Miti, Bushwira, Bitale, and Nzibira(walungu territory). Now settled in several villages within the Kalonge groupement, they face severe food insecurity and lack adequate shelter and access to basic social services.
The crisis worsened between February 18 and 20, 2026, following clashes in Shabunda territory between armed Wazalendo groups.
At least 751 households were forced to take refuge in Chaminunu village and the Chaminunu and Bisisi health zones.
« Internal movements also affect Cifunzi, Rambo, Fendula, Mule, Chaminunu, and Cibinda villages. Updated statistics are not yet available, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the crisis. » said
The lack of assistance has forced some displaced people to exploit the resources of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park. Reports include wood harvesting for charcoal and artisanal mining activities.
A displaced woman said, “We have no food. To survive, we are forced to go into the forest(Kahuzi-biega parc) .”
Civil society actors and humanitarian workers are calling for urgent action. They urge immediate food aid, updated data collection, and economic alternatives to reduce pressure on the park. Without prompt intervention, Kalonge risks descending into a major humanitarian and environmental crisis.
