DRC - Baseline Assessment - M23 Crisis 4 - May 2023

The presence of the M23, its non-withdrawal, and its control over key localities increase the risk of an unpredictable escalation of tensions and will perpetuate population displacement. Despite the fact that the majority of the population is still displaced, a relative calm and apparent stabilization of the situation have been observed since mid-April 2023, with some pockets of tension reemerging. This calm has also led to a relative perception of improved security, facilitating returns to certain areas, including those under the control of the M23, and could facilitate humanitarian access to crisis-affected areas.

Since the beginning of the crisis, IOM, through the DTM, has conducted a series of rapid assessments, including emergency monitoring, crisis analysis, and registration, with a priority to meet immediate information needs to understand displacement dynamics and subsequent needs and to guide direct assistance to vulnerable individuals affected. In May 2023, the DTM identified a total of 784,293 displaced persons distributed among 155,700 households and 431,998 displaced persons distributed among 86,296 households. Data collection took place between April 21, 2023, and May 9, 2023, in the affected localities of the Nyiragongo, Lubero, Rutshuru, Masisi, Walikale territories, including the city of Goma.