Walikale Faces Severe Shortage of Medicines and Nutritional Products Amid Ongoing

Walikale, North Kivu, January 20, 2026 - Health authorities in Walikale territory are grappling with a critical shortage of medicines and nutritional products, affecting approximately 197,420 residents across Pinga and surrounding health zones. The crisis, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between Congolese government forces and the AFC/M23 rebellion, as well as other armed groups, has left local health facilities struggling to provide basic care. According to a December 2025 UN OCHA report, clashes along the Kalembe-Mpeti-Pinga axis have displaced thousands. On December 6, fighting in Chanjikiro (Kisimba group) triggered mass population movements, while on December 12, residents of Kateku-more than 6,300 people-were forced to flee, seeking refuge in nearby villages such as Kimaka, Miriki, Buleusa, Kayna, and Kanyabayonga. “This part of the Pinga health zone remains isolated due to physical and security access constraints, limiting the presence and mobility of humanitarian actors,” the report noted. The Pinga General Referral Hospital (HGR) and other local health facilities face acute shortages of essential medicines and nutritional supplies, severely impacting patient care. OCHA highlighted that the departure of humanitarian partner MEDAIR in April 2025, combined with geographic isolation, has compounded the delivery challenges, leaving residents without consistent medical assistance. The escalation of violence in North and South Kivu since early 2025 has displaced hundreds of thousands, killed hundreds, and injured thousands, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. Blocked roads and insecurity continue to hinder aid delivery, despite ongoing efforts by humanitarian organizations to negotiate safe access and provide emergency support. “The population urgently needs rapid, unimpeded, and safe humanitarian access. All obstacles to aid delivery must be removed,” OCHA emphasized. Despite high-level mediation initiatives, including the US-led Washington process and Qatar’s role in negotiations with the AFC/M23, on-the-ground conditions remain precarious. Humanitarian and political observers are calling on all parties to uphold their commitments under peace agreements to silence the guns and allow nearly three decades of conflict to end.