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Torrential rains in early February led to a mudslide in the displacement camp in Masisi center, killing 8 people and wounding 3 others. This tragic incident is part of the daily struggle for survival by internally displaced people (IDPs) in Masisi. Terrible roads and a fluid security situation have hampered humanitarian organizations from responding adequately to the needs of IDPs. With the recent arrest of CNDP rebel leader Laurent Nkunda however, access is again possible, and aid organizations must work to re-establish their presence and increase support to vulnerable people in the camps.

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Masisi Center Camp :: People have been fleeing to Masisi center for the past two years. In 2008, the site became part of the UN Refugee Agency’s camp coordination system.Masisi Center Camp :: Despite being designated an official camp, assistance to IDPs in Masisi center has been ad hoc due to security constraints and poor roads.Displaced Man in Masisi Center Camp :: IDPs in Masisi center, like this man, have not received food rations since October 2008, forcing some to return home early despite security concerns.Mudslide in Masisi Center Camp :: The precarious positioning of the camp on sloping hills led to a mudslide on February 3, which destroyed several huts and killed 8 people.Mudslide in Masisi Center Camp :: The response to the mudslide was complicated by the fact that several international NGOs had earlier pulled out their staff due to security concerns.Muddy Road in Masisi Center :: While the condition of the road to Masisi remains a serious constraint to the humanitarian response, security has improved since the arrest of Nkunda.Displaced Children in Masisi Center Camp :: The UN Refugee Agency and NGOs should quickly re-establish their presence in Masisi center and respond to the growing needs of IDPs in the camps.