North Kivu Clashes Displace Thousands as Ebola Spreads to Seven DRC Provinces Amid current wars in the world

Persistent armed clashes in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo continue to trigger new population displacements, worsen humanitarian vulnerabilities, and restrict aid access amid current wars in the world, while a major Ebola virus disease outbreak has expanded to 15 health zones with over 7,200 confirmed cases and 3,500 deaths nationwide. [1] [3]

Overview of Ongoing Conflict and Displacement in North Kivu

Ongoing fighting in the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru, Walikale, Beni and Lubero is causing fresh displacements, increasing vulnerabilities and limiting humanitarian access. [1] Les affrontements persistants dans les territoires de Masisi, Rutshuru, Walikale, Beni et Lubero continuent de provoquer de nouveaux déplacements de population, d’aggraver les vulnérabilités et de limiter l’accès humanitaire. [1] These clashes have directly contributed to heightened humanitarian needs across multiple areas of North Kivu province. [1] The persistent nature of the armed confrontations has compounded existing challenges for communities already facing displacement. [1] Insecurity stemming from the fighting has made it more difficult for aid organizations to reach affected populations in a timely manner. [1]

Scale and Status of the Ebola Outbreak

The Ebola outbreak has spread across seven provinces in the DRC, with more than 7,200 confirmed cases and over 3,500 deaths reported. [3] The Ebola outbreak has now affected seven provinces across the DRC. [3] As of Sunday, health authorities reported more than 7,200 confirmed cases and over 3,500 deaths. [3] However, they note encouraging signs in six health zones, which have now gone more than 42 days without reporting a new Ebola case. [3] Four others have recorded no new infections for more than 21 days. [3] While there has been progress in some places, cases continue to increase in other locations. [3] The epidemic remains deadly and massive according to assessments by UN officials. [3]

Armed clashes in North Kivu displace thousands amid Ebola outbreak across seven DRC provinces. — Source: reliefweb

Response Efforts and Progress Against Ebola

More than 2,000 frontline health workers have been vaccinated in Tshopo and Bas-Uélé provinces as part of the Ebola response. [3] The UN and its partners continue to strengthen surveillance and community engagement in areas at heightened risk of spread. [3] In North Kivu Province, OCHA recently convened local authorities, community leaders and armed actors to support community outreach, contact tracing efforts and response activities. [3] Six health zones have recorded no new Ebola cases for more than 42 days and four others for more than 21 days, showing some progress. [3] The UN and its partners continue to support authorities in scaling up the response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [3]

Humanitarian Assistance Provided

More than 197,500 people have received humanitarian assistance in North Kivu amid the dual crises. [1] Plus de 197 500 personnes ont reçu une assistance ali. [1] The delivery of this aid has occurred despite ongoing limitations on humanitarian access caused by insecurity. [1] Efforts to provide assistance have focused on addressing the combined effects of displacement and health emergencies in the province. [1] Local coordination has sought to maintain support for communities impacted by both the clashes and the outbreak. [1]

{IMAGE_3}

Statements from UN Officials and Calls for Support

The UN Special Ebola Coordinator described the outbreak as remaining deadly and massive, calling for greater international funding and specialized medical teams. [3] Speaking to reporters at the Palais in Geneva today, Special Ebola Coordinator Julien Harneis said that tomorrow, he will be traveling to Bunia and areas affected by the epidemic, which he said remains deadly and massive. [3] He noted that while there has been progress in some places, cases continue to increase in other locations. [3] Harneis stressed the need to do more in areas with new transmission of the disease, as well as the urgency of much greater international solidarity through funding and the deployment of specialized medical teams. [3] OCHA reiterates the need for sustained international support to help contain the outbreak and ensure the delivery of life-saving assistance to affected communities. [3]

Broader Regional Context Amid current wars in the world

Please refer to the attached Infographic. [2] Please refer to the attached Infographic. [4] The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo forms part of latest events across West and Central Africa. [2] [4] Reports covering the period from 8 to 14 September 2026 highlight developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo alongside those in Cameroon and the Central African Republic. [2] [4]

What to watch next: Special Ebola Coordinator Julien Harneis will travel to Bunia and areas affected by the epidemic while the UN and partners continue to strengthen surveillance, community engagement, and response activities in North Kivu.