Security Crisis Forces Relocation of 40,000 South Sudanese Refugees in Eastern DRC
In a critical move to safeguard civilians, customary authorities in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have announced the urgent relocation of more than 45,000 South Sudanese refugees from volatile border areas. The decision, driven by escalating cross-border attacks, highlights a deepening regional instability and the precarious situation for those fleeing conflict.
From Refuge to Peril: The Deteriorating Border Situation
The refugees, who arrived in April 2025 to escape fighting in South Sudan, settled in a string of border localities including Kereniku, Niangara, and Kembio. Initially a safe haven, these areas have transformed into danger zones. Local sources report that armed groups from South Sudan are now conducting regular incursions, specifically targeting the refugee populations. These attacks are characterized by violence and the systematic looting of belongings, affecting both the refugees and the local Congolese communities who host them.
This situation creates a double displacement crisis: first from their home country, and now from their place of refuge, underscoring the complex and transnational nature of the conflict in the Great Lakes region.
A Return to Historic Sanctuary Sites
In response, Kakwa Chiefdom chief, Likambo Tchukia, has designated two new sites for the relocation: Adumi and Inzi. Notably, these are not new locations but former refugee sites that were last used in 1979 to host previous waves of South Sudanese displacement. This historical echo points to a long-standing, cyclical pattern of instability and humanitarian need along this border.
While construction of basic shelters has begun, local authorities have explicitly stated that the success of this large-scale operation hinges on immediate support from government and humanitarian partners. The urgency is palpable; without rapid infrastructure development—including water, sanitation, and health facilities—the relocation could simply move people from one precarious situation to another.
Analysis: The Broader Implications of the Relocation
This planned relocation is more than a logistical operation; it is a stark indicator of several underlying issues. Firstly, it reveals the inability of state forces to secure the DRC’s northeastern border, allowing non-state armed actors to operate with impunity. Secondly, it places immense strain on local governance and resources, with customary leaders like Chief Tchukia stepping in to fill a security vacuum.
Furthermore, the crisis tests the international community’s capacity to respond to a rapidly evolving humanitarian emergency. The call for help from Ituri’s authorities is a direct appeal to the UNHCR and other aid organizations to prevent a further deterioration of conditions for a population that has already endured significant trauma.
What Comes Next?
The imminent relocation of over 40,000 people presents a monumental challenge. The key to its success will be the speed and coordination of the response. A delayed or under-resourced operation risks creating a secondary crisis of internal displacement within the DRC, with potential consequences for regional stability and public health.
As construction continues on the new sites, the international community watches to see if history will repeat itself, or if a more secure and sustainable solution can be forged for the tens of thousands caught in the crossfire of a border conflict.
This report is based on information from Radio Okapi.