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North Kivu

Coordinates: 0°34′S 28°42′E / 0.567°S 28.700°E / -0.567; 28.700
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This article is about the current province. For the former district, see Nord-Kivu District.

North Kivu
Province du Nord-Kivu (French)
Mkoa wa Kivu Kaskazini (Swahili)
Province
View of the Rwenzori Mountains
View of the Rwenzori Mountains
Official seal of North Kivu
Seal
Coordinates: 0°34′S 28°42′E / 0.567°S 28.700°E / -0.567; 28.700
Country Democratic Republic of the Congo
Named forLake Kivu
Capital
and largest city		Goma
Government
 • GovernorPeter Cirimwami (military)[1]
Area
 • Total59,483 km2 (22,967 sq mi)
 • Rank18th
Population
 (2020)
 • Total8,147,400
 • Rank2nd
 • Density140/km2 (350/sq mi)
DemonymNorth Kivutian
License Plate CodeDemocratic Republic of the Congo CGO / 19
Official languageFrench
National languageSwahili
HDI (2017)0.440[2]
low
Websitewww.provincenordkivu.cd Edit this at Wikidata

North Kivu (Jimbo la Kivu Kaskazini in Swahili) is a province bordering Lake Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.[3] The capital city is Goma. Spanning approximately 59,483 square kilometers with a population estimate of 8,147,400 as of 2020,[4][5] it is bordered by Ituri Province to the north, Tshopo Province to the northwest, Maniema Province to the southwest, and South Kivu Province to the south, as well as Uganda and Rwanda to the east.[6]

North Kivu's administrative history traces back to the colonial era when it was initially part of the Stanley Falls District within the Congo Free State.[4] Following a series of territorial reorganizations, North Kivu became incorporated into Orientale Province, with Stanleyville (modern-day Kisangani) as the provincial capital.[4] The area gained provincial status in 1962 but was demoted to a district under Mobutu Sese Seko's regime in 1965.[4] It was formally reinstated in 1988 under Ordinance-Law No. 88/1976 and Ordinance-Law No. 88-031, which redefined the previous Kivu Province into tripartite separate provinces: North Kivu, South Kivu, and Maniema.[4] Presently, North Kivu comprises three cities—Goma, Butembo, and Beni—and six territories: Beni, Lubero, Masisi, Rutshuru, Nyiragongo, and Walikale.[4][7][8] A 2013 decree also proposed city status for Kasindi, Oïcha, and Luholu.[9][10] The province's eastern border is home to the Rwenzori Mountains, part of the Albertine Rift, which serves as a key freshwater source and supports a diverse ecosystem.[7][8] North Kivu also hosts Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to endangered mountain gorillas.

The province is ethnically diverse, predominantly inhabited by Bantu-speaking people, including the Nande, Mbuba, Hunde, Lese, Talinga, Hutu, Tutsi, and Batwa (pygmies).[11] However, the province is confronted with ongoing security challenges stemming from armed groups, resource-related conflicts, and ethnic tensions.[12][13] The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has been a significant source of instability. As of early 2024, M23-related violence had displaced approximately 1.7 million people, accounting for nearly 14% of North Kivu's population.[14]

North Kivu has also been the site of multiple outbreaks of Ebola virus disease (including the most recent in August 2022) and was the epicenter of the 2018–2020 Kivu Ebola outbreak, which was the second largest in history, resulting in over 3400 cases and 2200 deaths,[15] following the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak.[16]

History

[edit]

The frontiers of the Congo Free State were defined by the Neutrality Act during the 1885 Berlin Conference, in which the European powers staked out their territorial claims in Africa. The Congo Free State's northeastern boundary was defined in 1885 as "a straight line coming from the northern end of Lake Tanganyika and ending at a point located on the 30th east meridian and at 1° 20' south latitude; further north, the border is formed by the 30th meridian east." On this basis, all of Lake Kivu and both banks of the Ruzizi River were in the Free State.[17]

In June 1909, John Methuen Coote started the Kivu frontier incident when he travelled southwest from the British Uganda Protectorate and established fortified camps at Burungu and Rubona on Lake Kivu.[17] British troops under Coote withdrew from the Rubona post on 29 June 1909, and the Belgians occupied the post.[18] After a series of incidents, the boundaries of the Congo, Uganda and Rwanda were settled in May 1910, with the eastern part of Kivu assigned to Uganda and the German colony of Rwanda.[19]

Kivu District was created by an arrêté royal of 28 March 1912, which divided the Congo into 22 districts.[20] By 1954, Kivu District had been split into Sud-Kivu District and Nord-Kivu District. The region was the scene of much fighting during the Second Congo War (1998–2003) and the Kivu conflict (2004–present).

Conflict-driven mineral exploitation

[edit]

During the Second Congo War, military control over natural resources, particularly coltan, became a lucrative enterprise for the Rwandan-backed rebel group RCD-Goma.[21] Although a decline in coltan prices led to a reduction in direct Rwandan army management of certain mining sites, their vested interest in the coltan trade remained high, with RCD-Goma and other political entities actively participating.[21] RCD-Goma facilitated substantial revenue flows from coltan; however, even greater profits were channeled to Rwanda, as military officials and Rwandan authorities diverted significant quantities of coltan across the border.[21]

Quarry nearby Goma

From January to October 2000, coltan exports from Rwandan-controlled eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo exceeded 445 tonnes, according to RCD-Goma's records.[21] In late 2000, the organization implemented an export monopoly and declared 208 tonnes of coltan exports over the next two months. Accounting for both formal and clandestine transfers to Rwanda, annual production in the Kivu provinces likely reached between 1,400 and 1,700 tonnes in 2000.[21] Estimates suggested that more than $60 million was directed to local trading houses (comptoirs) during the peak months of the trade, while the Rwandan army reportedly accrued upwards of $250 million over an 18-month period from coltan exported to Rwanda.[21] These profits largely benefitted Rwandan and RCD-Goma military elites, business figures, and other individuals with ties to the Rwandan government.[21]

The Rwandan army's extraction and transfer operations were organized and controlled by senior commanders stationed in key territories such as Walikale and Masisi.[21] Checkpoints were established to monitor and restrict civilian access to mining areas, while major towns and airstrips became stockpiling sites for coltan awaiting air or road transport.[21] To facilitate these operations, new airstrips were built, and military helicopters, along with contracted companies such as Swala Express, Bukavu Air Transport, and Kivu-Air, transported coltan from remote mining zones directly to Rwanda, where state-operated facilities were used to store the mineral. Return flights often carried arms and equipment back into the DRC. Civilian flights, which previously allowed local miners to sell coltan to local trading houses, were halted by military authorities to consolidate control over the trade.[21]

Artisanal diamond miners near Lubero

Civilians in military-controlled mining areas were frequently coerced into forced labor, and even paid miners had to sell their output to army officials at considerably reduced rates.[21] Additionally, Rwandan soldiers served as private security for foreign-owned mining concessions, receiving a share of profits in exchange for their protection. Although some coltan passed through local trading houses, the majority was flown directly to Rwanda, bypassing the DRC's export system.[21]

Rwandan military officers and entrepreneurs linked to the government were prominently represented as directors and stakeholders in key trading houses in Goma and Bukavu, such as Grands Lacs Metals and Rwanda Metals.[21] These trading houses collaborated with the Rwandan government's Congo Desk, facilitating the direct export of coltan to international markets. Despite the eventual downturn in coltan prices, military transfers persisted, as illustrated by the 5 October 2002, seizure of 36 tonnes of coltan belonging to Rwanda Metals in Tanzania.[21] The DRC government accused Rwanda Metals of looting resources from the DRC, though the company contested the claim, asserting the coltan was mined domestically. Although the Tanzanian High Court dismissed the case, the provenance of the seized coltan remains uncertain.[21]

Artisanal cobalt miners

RCD-Goma, despite its self-appointed administrative authority, lacked the logistical and military resources necessary for extensive control over mining areas, as exercised by the Rwandan army.[21] Nevertheless, it capitalized on the coltan trade by imposing numerous taxes and fees, including mining license charges, non-refundable deposits, export taxes, and a "war effort tax", which escalated alongside coltan prices.[21] RCD-Goma also held a controlling 75% interest in the Société Minière des Grands Lacs (SOMIGL), which held a temporary monopoly on coltan exports, generating immediate revenue surges.[21] In December 2000, the 112 tonnes of exported coltan brought in over $1.1 million in taxes; however, none of these funds were allocated toward public services like healthcare or education.[21]

The monopoly was dissolved in April 2001 due to the Rwandan army's disregard for RCD-Goma's control, withholding of stocks by trading houses, and a decline in tantalum prices.[21] Letters from RCD-Goma officials expressed concern over revenue losses due to direct coltan exports to Rwanda by Rwandan forces. Monthly exports, estimated at 46 tonnes and valued at up to $21 million on the global market.[21] RCD-Goma also capitalized on its authority by selling coltan concessions, even those under the legal ownership of the Canadian-based gold exploration and development company Banro Corp or the DRC government.[21] In February 2001, an RCD-Goma committee awarded Medival Minerals Ltd., a Swiss company, an 18-month contract for cassiterite extraction in various concessions. In eastern DRC, coltan is often mislabeled as cassiterite to circumvent higher tantalum-related duties.[21] Under this arrangement, the committee received 20% of the sale price, with RCD-Goma providing security.[21]

Mass killings and civilian attacks

[edit]
The Tanzanian Battalion of MONUSCO's Force Intervention Brigade escorts the Mission's civilian personnel as they engage with local communities to foster cooperation to help protect civilians from armed group attacks.

Civilians residing in coltan-rich areas such as Punia, Kindu, Shabunda, Masisi, and Walikale suffered from frequent attacks.[22] These incidents involved both targeted killings and indiscriminate violence against entire communities. Villages were razed, and large areas were depopulated as residents fled to escape the brutality.[23] For example, in early May 2001, residents of Kabale, in Masisi Territory, were forced to flee into the forest due to clashes between the Rwandese army and the Mayi-Mayi militia.[23] When some villagers attempted to return, Rwandan soldiers opened fire, killing multiple civilians, including a young family and an infant.[23]

Forced labor in coltan mines

[edit]

The demand for coltan also led to the systematic use of forced labor, often involving children.[23] Reports indicate that in April 2001, Rwandan soldiers forced children and adults to work in mining operations in Masisi Territory. Mining sites at Mumba and Rugeshe in the Lwundje groupement of the Osso Sector in Masisi Territory became scenes of forced labor, with soldiers using violence to compel local populations to work.[23]

In one notable case, a Congolese human rights activist who went to investigate labor practices at a coltan mine was detained and forced to work alongside other civilians.[23] He later recounted that up to 200 civilians, including a large number of children, were being made to work under harsh conditions, often threatened with bayonets and rifle butts.[23]

Displacement and destruction of villages

[edit]
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Kiwanja camp in Rutshuru Territory

The conflict over coltan resources also led to widespread displacement, as forces destroyed villages and expelled residents from their homes. Between April and October 2001, thousands of people were forcibly displaced in the Osso Sector around Mahanga when RCD-Goma and Rwandan forces sought control of mining areas.[23] The displaced faced extreme hardships, with inadequate access to food, shelter, and sanitation, resulting in additional deaths due to disease and starvation.[23]

In some cases, residents were gathered in inadequate shelters, such as a school in Mahanga, where they were left without humanitarian aid. Many of the displaced perished.[23]

Specific incidents of targeted Killings

[edit]

Several targeted killings occurred throughout the conflict, often motivated by accusations of collaboration with opposition forces or mere association with the coltan trade.[23] On 25 May 2001, Saasita Babaoni, a Congolese employee at a coltan comptoir in Masisi, was killed in his office by a Rwandan soldier. Despite prior threats and complaints, Rwandan authorities failed to act, and the perpetrator faced no accountability.[23]

Another significant incident occurred on 28 August 2001, when Rwandan soldiers detained a trader near Punia, forcing him to transport an RCD-Goma combatant and subsequently detaining him in a cachot souterrain, a pit used as a makeshift prison.[23] That night, the trader witnessed the soldiers execute six other detainees, accused of collaborating with the Mayi-Mayi.[23]

Impact on women, children, and vulnerable populations

[edit]
Women and young girl in Walikale

The violence and forced labor associated with coltan mining disproportionately affected women, children, and other vulnerable populations.[23] Many children were conscripted into labor in dangerous mining conditions, with frequent use of physical violence to enforce compliance.[23] Women and the elderly, often unable to flee quickly, became victims of targeted violence, as illustrated by the murders near Bongbenyama and Fakiri, where 20 elderly villagers, women, and children were killed during raids.[23]

Ongoing conflict

[edit]

On August 19, 2003, DRC government decree 019/2003 offered Laurent Nkunda the rank of Brigadier General and command of the new Congo Government's FARDC Eighth Military Region, covering North Kivu. He declined. On May 26, 2004, General Obed Wibasira (RCD-Goma) was named to the position. But Wibasira was suspected of complicity with the soldiers in Goma who had triggered a mutiny in Bukavu in February 2004, and on January 23, 2005, he was switched with Gabriel Amisi Kumba, at the time commander of the Fifth Military Region in Kasaï-Oriental.[24] Kumba was named as a Brigadier General when taking up the post. General Louis Ngizo, a former commander of the Rally for Congolese Democracy, was appointed a commander in November 2006. Brigadier General Vainqueur Mayala was transferred from command of the Ituri operational zone, promoted to Major General, and appointed military region commander in May 2007.[citation needed] Ngizo left Goma on May 13, 2007, his next posting not being known at the time. During late 2008, the FARDC maintained its dismal record in combat against Nkunda's CNDP faction, losing the Rumangabo military camp to the rebels.

The dissident Mai-Mai 85th Brigade, commanded by Colonel Samy Matumo, controlled the cassiterite mine at Bisie, just north of Manoire in Walikale, in southeastern North Kivu.[25] The former RCD-K/ML also has fighters in the province; 'at the beginning of the transition [2002-3] the RCD-Mouvement de Libération president declared he had 8-10,000 Armée Patriotic Congolaise (APC) troops in the Beni-Lubero area of North Kivu.' This exaggerated figure seems to have been reduced to 'several thousand' (2-4,000?) as of early 2006, following demobilizations and men joining the integrated brigades.[26]

The Effacer le tableau and Beni massacre occurred in the province.

Geography

[edit]

Relief

[edit]
Virunga National Park

Situated along the equator, North Kivu spans latitudes from 0° 58' north to 2° 03' south and longitudes from 27° 14' west to 29° 58' east.[27] Its topography ranges from less than 800 meters to peaks exceeding 5,000 meters in altitude, comprising diverse formations including plains, plateaus, and mountainous regions.[28] Notable lowland areas include the alluvial plains of Semliki and Rwindi-Rutshuru, stretching from Lake Edward's northern to southern shores. The steep Kabasha escarpment rises from Lake Edward's western bank, extending toward the Rwindi-Rutshuru plain, which is flanked by the massive Ruwenzori range (5,119 meters) to the east.[27] Further south, the plain merges into volcanic lava fields leading to the Virunga Mountains, with prominent active volcanoes Nyamulagira (3,056 meters) and Nyiragongo (3,470 meters).[27]

Hydrology

[edit]
An aerial view of Lake Kivu in North Kivu, surrounded by lush hills

The province features two major lakes: Lake Edward and Lake Kivu. Lake Edward, covering 2,150 square kilometers with 1,630 square kilometers in Congolese territory, reaches an average depth of 30 meters.[28] It supports a rich fish population, forming a vital economic resource for surrounding communities.[28] Lake Kivu, the highest lake in Central Africa, sits at an elevation of 1,460 meters, with a Congolese surface area of 2,700 square kilometers and an average depth of 285 meters. However, its fish diversity is relatively limited compared to Lake Edward.[28] Additionally, the Mokotos Lakes—Ndalaha, Lukulu, Mbalukia, and Mbila—occupy 86 square kilometers in the Bashali Chiefdom.[28] The provincial river system includes the Rutshuru, Rwindi, Semliki, Osso, and Lowa rivers.[28]

Geology

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A vast lava field in Virunga National Park

Volcanic soils, derived from recent lava flows, dominate areas near active volcanoes; these soils, while fertile in older flows, are less suitable for agriculture in recent deposits.[28] Between Goma and Rutshuru, volcanic soils are fertile yet shallow, conducive to agriculture.[28] Alluvial soils are common in the Semliki plains, originating from lacustrine and fluvial deposits, while older, humus-rich soils are found in regions with deeper, clayey substrates, abundant in organic matter.[28]

Vegetation

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Savannas dominate the alluvial plains of Semliki and Rutshuru, while shrubby, sclerophyllous formations are found on the lava plains north of Lake Kivu.[28] Mountain rainforests grow primarily in the Rwenzori and Virunga massifs, while equatorial forests are extensive in the territories of Lubero, Masisi, Walikale, and Beni.[28]

Deforested land in Masisi

Human activities have markedly influenced the province's vegetation, particularly through establishing single-species plantations, mainly comprising Eucalyptus saligna and Grevillea robusta.[29] These plantations, alongside community-operated village plantations, constitute the principal legitimate wood-energy sources for populations proximate to Virunga National Park.[29] Additional species, such as Acacia mearnsii, are also cultivated, often interplanted with food crops to provide supplementary revenue streams for local populations. These monoculture plantations, extending over approximately 11,200 hectares, play an indispensable role in meeting the wood-energy demands of North Kivu's residents, particularly in Goma.[29] In 2011, the EcoMakala project emerged as a geographically integrated REDD+ initiative to mitigate emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.[29] Between 2020 and 2021, EcoMakala+ secured USD 1.3 million in funding, allowing North Kivu to become the first province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to capitalize on carbon credit sales.[29]

Climate

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North Kivu's climate is greatly influenced by altitude.[28] Temperatures decrease with elevation: areas below 1,000 meters average 23°C, while those at 2,000 meters average 15°C. Rainfall varies from 1,000 to 2,000 millimeters annually, with drier periods in January-February and July-August.[28] The region experiences four distinct seasons: two wet seasons (mid-August to mid-January, mid-February to mid-July) and two short dry seasons.[28] According to the Köppen-Geiger classification, North Kivu has a warm oceanic climate, with an annual average temperature of 18°C and average precipitation of 363.6 millimeters.[28]

Administrative division

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Approximate correspondence between historical and current province

[edit]
Approximate correspondence between historical and current province
Belgian Congo Republic of the Congo Zaire Democratic Republic of the Congo
1908 1919 1932 1947 1963 1966 1971 1988 1997 2015
22 districts 4 provinces 6 provinces 6 provinces 21 provinces + capital 8 provinces + capital 8 provinces + capital 11 provinces 11 provinces 26 provinces
Bas-Uele Orientale Stanleyville Province Orientale Uele Orientale Haut-Zaïre Orientale Bas-Uele
Haut-Uele Haut-Uele
Ituri Kibali-Ituri Ituri
Stanleyville Haut-Congo Tshopo
Aruwimi
Maniema Costermansville Kivu Maniema Kivu Maniema
Lowa
Kivu Nord-Kivu Nord-Kivu
Kivu-Central Sud-Kivu

North Kivu Province is systematically organized into a hierarchy of administrative divisions, which include territories, cities, chiefdoms (collectivités), sectors, groupements (groupings), and villages (localités).

Territories

[edit]
See also: Territories of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

North Kivu comprises six territories.[4][30][31] These territories are led by a Territorial Administrator supported by two Assistant Territorial Administrators, who facilitate the effective governance of vast regions, often remote or rural.[32] Appointed by the Ministry of the Interior and Security, territorial officials are part of the state's official budget.[32] They are responsible for implementing state policies at the local level, under the oversight of the provincial governor, who serves as both the President's and Ministry's representative within the province.[32]

The territories in North Kivu include:[4][30][31]

Cities

[edit]
See also: Cities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The province consists of three cities—Goma, Butembo, and Beni.[33][4][30] Each city is a decentralized administrative entity with official legal status and is led by a mayor appointed by a presidential decree on the advice of the Minister of the Interior and Security.[34]

  • Goma: As the provincial capital and largest city, Goma is the administrative and economic center of North Kivu.[35] Located on the northern shore of Lake Kivu and near the Rwandan border, Goma is strategically important, though it faces challenges due to periodic volcanic eruptions from nearby Mount Nyiragongo and ongoing regional conflicts.[36][37][38][39]
  • Butembo: Situated in the northern part of North Kivu, Butembo is a major commercial hub.[40] The city's development, once spurred by the mining activities of the Compagnie Minière des Grands-Lacs (now SOMINKI), has positioned it as a significant center for trade, especially in agricultural products.[41] It is well-connected to Eastern African countries through nearby transport infrastructure.[41]
  • Beni: Located in the northeastern part of the province, Beni spans an area of approximately 184.24 km2 at an elevation of about 800 meters.[42] Although Beni serves as a crucial urban center, it has been affected by regional security concerns in recent years due to local conflicts.[43][39]

Chiefdoms and sectors

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The traditional governance of North Kivu is organized into chiefdoms, known as collectivités, and sectors.[33][4] These entities represent traditional forms of authority, where leadership is often determined by ethnic customs and later formalized by the state.[32] The head of a chiefdom holds the title "mwami" (paramount customary chief).[44][45] Chiefdoms and sectors are divided into groupements, which further subdivide into villages.[44][46] Village heads and chiefs manage governance within these smaller divisions.[44][45]

Some notable chiefdoms and sectors in North Kivu include:

Economy

[edit]

Agriculture

[edit]
See also: Agriculture in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Subsistence agriculture is North Kivu's most significant economic activity, employing over 90% of its population.[28] Key food crops include cassava, maize, plantains, sweet potatoes, peanuts, yams, soybeans, paddy rice, cowpeas, and wheat, while industrial crops such as oil palm, rubber, tea, quinine, coffee, coconut, pyrethrum, papaya, and cocoa also thrive.[28][11][47] North Kivu ranks among the leading producers of premium-grade papaya worldwide and, along with South Kivu, is one of the only provinces producing tea in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[48] The province's agricultural activities extend into livestock, particularly in cattle, sheep, goat, pig, and poultry farming, as well as to the fishing industry, with abundant fish-filled rivers in Walikale and the western parts of Beni and Lubero territories.[11][28][49][50]

Mining

[edit]
See also: Mining industry of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Luwowo coltan mine near Rubaya in 2014

North Kivu is rich in mineral deposits.[11] The province contains a variety of deposits, such as gold, silver, monazite, cassiterite, columbo-tantalite (coltan), wolframite (tungsten oxide), diamonds, pyrochlore, zirconium, quartz, tourmaline, platinum, and phosphate, spread across different territories.[11][28][51][52] Gold deposits are located in Beni, Lubero, Masisi, and Walikale, while silver is found in all territories except Nyiragongo. Rutshuru and Masisi contain cassiterite reserves, whereas coltan is mined in Lubero, Masisi, and Walikale.[11] Pyrochlore—a mineral used in various industrial applications—is extracted from Beni and Rutshuru, with SOMIKIVU responsible for its extraction.[11][51] Walikale Territory stands out as a major mining hub, known for the Bisie mine's cassiterite production.[51]

Artisanal and semi-industrial mining practices

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Artisanal mining, a labor-intensive and low-technology approach, dominates the sector, particularly in Lubero's sites like Manguredjipa, Bunyatenge, and Kasugho, as well as Beni's Cantine and Mabalako.[51] In Walikale, artisanal mining prevails except for Bisie, which stands as a semi-industrialized operation.[51] Managed by South African and Canadian firms MPC and Alpha Mine, the Bisie mine represents a shift towards more industrialized methods, focusing primarily on cassiterite extraction.[51] The Masisi Territory, notable for coltan extraction, also engages in semi-industrial mining led by the Congolese company Société Minière de Bisunzu SARL (SMB).[51]

Infrastructure

[edit]

The province's economic infrastructure is a blend of essential services and transport networks that facilitate trade and daily operations.[11][28][53] The Goma International Airport is the primary aviation gateway, while Lake Kivu serves as a vital transport route, connecting North Kivu with regional markets. The province's road network spans approximately 5,134 kilometers, with a combination of national, provincial, and agricultural roads, although maintenance challenges often hinder connectivity.[11] Key state-owned enterprises (SOEs) like SNEL (Société Nationale d'Électricité) and REGIDESO provide electricity and water services, primarily to Goma, with limited supply extending to other urban centers.[53] The port of Goma and its quays, operated partially by SNCC (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer du Congo), support riverine commerce, while private entities like Congo Maji SARL and Yme Jibu provide supplementary water services through standpipes and home connections.[53]

Miriki, located approximately 110 km north of Goma in North Kivu

Major companies in the province

[edit]
Business Sector of activity Headquarters
Congo Tobacco Company (CTC)/Super match Tobacco industry[54][55] Goma
ETS Bishweka Vanny      General trade[56] Goma
Maison M.L        Trade[28] Goma
Kivu Motor          Trade[28] Goma
ETS My Friend Construction[28] Goma
PREMIDIS Sarl Industry[28] Goma/Rutshuru
Alphamin Bisie Mining (ABM) Mining company[28] Goma/Walikale
Société Minière de Bisunzu Mining company[28] Goma/Masisi
Busy Bee Congo Transport[28] Goma
My Friend Transport[28] Goma
ESCO Kivu Sarl Agriculture[28][57] Butembo
Maison Palos Sarl Trade[28] Butembo

Tourism

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Tourism is anchored by the ecologically rich Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its endangered mountain gorillas and diverse wildlife.[11][28] This attraction, along with various nature reserves, forms the backbone of the province's tourism industry. Efforts to enhance local energy infrastructure, notably through Virunga SARL's hydroelectric operations around Virunga National Park, and companies like Nuru and Energie du Nord Kivu (ENK) developing solar mini-grids, aim to provide stable power, particularly for Goma and Butembo.[53]

Government

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North Kivu's governing system encompasses political and security oversight, judicial and administrative management, as well as economic and financial administration.[58]

Political and security

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The political governance framework of North Kivu includes provincial deputies.[58] The provincial government is led by a governor and includes several members.[58] Key policies, such as the provincial civil service edit and Order No. 01/012/CAB/GP-NK/2009, regulate local and provincial governance structures. Security in North Kivu is managed by provincial security forces.[58]

Elections

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The Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) has established offices in key cities, including Goma, Beni, and Butembo, as well as across the six territories of North Kivu.[58] The Provincial Executive Secretariat, headquartered in Goma, coordinates electoral processes throughout the province to ensure the organization of both direct and indirect elections.[58]

Administrative and judicial

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The judicial governance structure is supported by the Groupe Thématique Justice et Droits Humains (GTJDH), encompassing both civil and military judicial systems.[58] The Provincial Justice Division is responsible for managing penitentiary institutions, notarial services, and oversight of State Guards and Educational institutions (Garde et de l'Éducation de l'État).[58] Judicial services are distributed through the Court of Appeal in Goma, several public prosecutor's offices, High Courts, Peace Courts, Commercial Courts, and military courts.[58]

Decentralization and customary affairs

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North Kivu's administrative structure adheres to the national constitutional framework. The province is organized into various Decentralized Territorial Entities (Entités Territoriales Décentralisées; ETD), comprising three cities—Goma, Butembo, and Beni—and ten communes, along with seven sectors.[58] Customary leadership also plays a part in governance at the local level, consisting of ten chiefdoms, 97 groupements, and 5,178 villages.[58]

Public administration

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Provincial administration is organized through various divisions that report either to the national government or the provincial government.[58]

Economic and financial

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Economic governance has seen substantial reforms aimed at enhancing fiscal management and revenue generation. A steering committee supervises the province's public finance reforms, alongside key departments like the Budget Directorate and the General Directorate for Public Procurement Control (Direction Générale du Contrôle des Marchés Publics, DPCMP).[58] Legal frameworks, such as Edit No. 002/2013, regulate provincial tax collection, and a directory of taxpayers has been created to streamline revenue mobilization.[58]

Public finances, planning, and budgeting

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The province's public finances operate through decentralized services, with national agencies like DGDA (Direction Générale des Douanes et Accises), DGI (Direction Générale des Impôts), and DGRAD (Direction Générale des Recettes Administratives, Judiciaires, Domaniales et de Participations) collecting revenues on behalf of the central government, while the Provincial Directorate of Revenue (Direction Générale des Recettes de Nord-Kivu) manages local revenue collection.[58] The Planning Division coordinates economic and social development initiatives, working with partners like UNICEF on hygiene, water, and sanitation projects.[58]

State Portfolio

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The central government maintains a presence in North Kivu through provincal branches of various state-owned enterprises, including SNEL, REGIDESO, SONAS, SNCC, FPI, RVA, LAC, OCC, SONAHYDROC, OR, DVDA, and others.[58]

Human rights issues

[edit]
See also: 2012 East D.R. Congo conflict
A UN Mi-24 flight reconnaissance in North Kivu.

In October 2007, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned of an increasing number of internally displaced people (IDP) in North Kivu related to the fighting there between the government army, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels and renegade troops, including Laurent Nkunda's forces, and a buildup of military supplies and forces, including recruitment of child soldiers by armed groups across North Kivu. The UNHCR thought that there were over 370,000 people in North Kivu displaced since December 2006, and is expanding its camps in the Mugunga area, where over 80,000 IDPs were estimated.[59] The brief capture of Goma by M23 rebels caused "tens of thousands" of refugees. The town of Sake was abandoned.[60]

Localities

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "RDC: un nouveau gouverneur militaire intérimaire au Nord-Kivu". RFI. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  2. ^ "Sub-national HDI - Area Database - Global Data Lab". hdi.globaldatalab.org. Retrieved September 13, 2018.
  3. ^ Central Intelligence Agency (2014). "Democratic Republic of the Congo". The World Factbook. Langley, Virginia: Central Intelligence Agency. Retrieved May 10, 2016.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Province du Nord-Kivu" (in French). Cellule d'Analyses des Indicateurs de Développement (CAID). Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  5. ^ "Congo (Dem. Rep.): Provinces, Major Cities & Towns - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information". Citypopulation.de. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
  6. ^ "Province du Nord-Kivu: Plan de Développement Provincial du Nord-Kivu (2019-2023)" [North Kivu Province: North Kivu Provincial Development Plan (2019-2023)] (PDF). Plan.gouv.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. pp. 19–20. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Travel, Love; Trekking, Gorilla (October 23, 2020). "Gorilla Trekking". Gorilla Trekking Tours Uganda. Retrieved July 28, 2023.
  8. ^ a b Kaufmann, Georg; Hinderer, Matthias; Romanov, Douchko (2016). "Shaping the Rwenzoris: balancing uplift, erosion, and glaciation" (PDF). Berlin/Heidelberg, Germany: Springer. p. 1762. Retrieved February 13, 2024.
  9. ^ "Sommaire Jo N° 23" [Summary Jos of 20 June 2013]. Leganet.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. June 20, 2013. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  10. ^ "Journal officiel de la République Démocratique du Congo" (PDF). Leganet.cd/ (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. June 20, 2013. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Mulenga-Byuma, Chantal Faida (2011). "Etude de faisabilité de création d'une unité de production de sucre dans la province du nord Kivu à Rutshuru; analyse financière et économique" [Feasibility study for the creation of a sugar production unit in the province of North Kivu in Rutshuru; financial and economic analysis] (in French). Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Free University of the Great Lakes Countries. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  12. ^ Hilditch, Simon (February 10, 2015). "Au-delà de la stabilisation: Comprendre les dynamiques de conflit dans le Nord et le Sud Kivu en République Démocratique du Congo" (PDF). International Alert (in French). Oval, London, England, United Kingdom. pp. 17–49 (15–47). Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  13. ^ ""Les oubliés du Nord-Kivu": Zoom sur la crise humanitaire dans cette province de la République Démocratique du Congo, au 1er mars 2024" ["The forgotten people of North Kivu": Focus on the humanitarian crisis in this province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as of March 1, 2024] (PDF) (in French). Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland: International Committee of the Red Cross. pp. 3–14. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
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  15. ^ Garbern, Stephanie Chow; Perera, Shiromi M.; Mbong, Eta Ngole; Kulkarni, Shibani; Fleming, Monica K.; Ombeni, Arsene Baleke; Muhayangabo, Rigobert Fraterne; Tchoualeu, Dieula Delissaint; Kallay, Ruth; Song, Elizabeth; Powell, Jasmine; Gainey, Monique; Glenn, Bailey; Gao, Hongjiang; Mutumwa, Ruffin Mitume (May 11, 2023). "COVID-19 Vaccine Perceptions among Ebola-Affected Communities in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2021". Vaccines. 11 (5): 973. doi:10.3390/vaccines11050973. ISSN 2076-393X. PMC 10223943. PMID 37243077.
  16. ^ Doshi, Reena H.; Garbern, Stephanie C.; Kulkarni, Shibani; Perera, Shiromi M.; Fleming, Monica K.; Muhayangabo, Rigobert Fraterne; Ombeni, Arsene Balene; Tchoualeu, Dieula Delissaint; Kallay, Ruth; Song, Elizabeth; Powell, Jasmine; Gainey, Monique; Glenn, Bailey; Mutumwa, Ruffin Mitume; Hans Bateyi Mustafa, Stephane (July 25, 2023). "Ebola vaccine uptake and attitudes among healthcare workers in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2021". Frontiers in Public Health. 11: 2. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1080700. ISSN 2296-2565. PMC 10408297. PMID 37559741. S2CID 260184852.
  17. ^ a b Lederer 1993, p. 2.
  18. ^ Rutanga 2011, p. 70.
  19. ^ Rutanga 2011, p. 89.
  20. ^ Lemarchand 1964, p. 63.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x "Democratic Republic of Congo: 'Our brothers who help kill us": Economic exploitation and human rights abuses in the east" (PDF). Amnesty.org. London, England, United Kingdom: Amnesty International. March 31, 2003. pp. 32–35. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  22. ^ "Democratic Republic of Congo: 'Our brothers who help kill us": Economic exploitation and human rights abuses in the east" (PDF). Amnesty.org. London, England, United Kingdom: Amnesty International. March 31, 2003. pp. 35–39. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Democratic Republic of Congo: 'Our brothers who help kill us": Economic exploitation and human rights abuses in the east" (PDF). Amnesty.org. London, England, United Kingdom: Amnesty International. March 31, 2003. pp. 35–39. Retrieved November 14, 2024.
  24. ^ Jean Omasombo (ed.), RDC: Biographies des Acteurs de la Troisième République, Africa Museum, Bruxelles, 24-25.
  25. ^ Polgreen, Lydia (November 16, 2008). "Congo's Riches, Looted by Renegade Troops". The New York Times. Retrieved April 9, 2010.
  26. ^ International Crisis Group, Security Sector Reform in the Congo, Africa Report N°104, February 13, 2006, p.14
  27. ^ a b c "Province du Nord-Kivu" (in French). Cellule d'Analyses des Indicateurs de Développement (CAID). Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  28. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae "Province du Nord-Kivu" (in French). Cellule d'Analyses des Indicateurs de Développement (CAID). Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  29. ^ a b c d e Kasekete, Désiré Katembo; Ligot, Gauthier; Mweru, Jean-Pierre Mate; Drouet, Thomas; Rousseau, Mélissa; Moango, Adrien; Bourland, Nils (September 16, 2022). "Growth, Productivity, Biomass and Carbon Stock in Eucalyptus saligna and Grevillea robusta Plantations in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo" (PDF). Center for International Forestry Research. Bogor, West Java, Indonesia. pp. 1–10. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  30. ^ a b c "Pauvreté et privations de l'enfant en République Démocratique du Congo: Province du Nord-Kivu" [Child poverty and deprivation in the Democratic Republic of Congo: North Kivu Province] (PDF) (in French). New York City, New York, United States: UNICEF. 2021. p. 2. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  31. ^ a b "La province du Nord-Kivu en République démocratique du Congo" [North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo]. Regions-francophones.org (in French). January 26, 2023. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  32. ^ a b c d Mushi, Ferdinand Mugumo (January 2013). "Insecurity and Local Governance in Congo's South Kivu" (PDF). IDS OpenDocs: 17. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
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  34. ^ Mpiana, Joseph Kazadi (2019). "Le rôle d'un Maire de la ville dans la sécurisation de son entité administrative" [The role of a city Mayor in securing his administrative entity] (PDF). Kas African Law Study Library - Librairie Africaine d'Etudes Juridiques (in French). 6 (3): 309–321. doi:10.5771/2363-6262-2019-3-309. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  35. ^ Hendriks, M.; Büscher, K. (2019). "Insecurity in Goma: Experiences, actors and responses" (PDF). Riftvalley.net. Nairobi, Kenya: Rift Valley Institute. p. 9. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  36. ^ Karumba, J. B. (2011). "De l'opportunité du développement du tourisme au nord Kivu. Cas de la ville de Goma" [The opportunity for tourism development in North Kivu. Case of the city of Goma] (in French). Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Institut Supérieur de Tourisme de Goma (ISTou-Goma). Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  37. ^ Mulumeoderhwa, D. M. (2012). "L'octroi des microcrédits par les institutions de microfinance et l'amélioration des conditions socio-économiques des ménages dans la ville de Goma" [The granting of microcredits by microfinance institutions and the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of households in the city of Goma] (in French). Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural des Grands Lacs (ISDR-GL). Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  38. ^ Mafuko Nyandwi, Blaise; Kervyn, Matthieu; Habiyaremye, François Muhashy; Kervyn, François; Michellier, Caroline (March 3, 2023). "Differences in volcanic risk perception among Goma's population before the Nyiragongo eruption of May 2021, Virunga volcanic province (DR Congo)". Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences. 23 (2): 933–953. Bibcode:2023NHESS..23..933M. doi:10.5194/nhess-23-933-2023.
  39. ^ a b ""Les oubliés du Nord-Kivu": Zoom sur la crise humanitaire dans cette province de la République Démocratique du Congo, au 1er mars 2024" ["The forgotten people of North Kivu": Focus on the humanitarian crisis in this province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as of March 1, 2024] (PDF) (in French). Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland: International Committee of the Red Cross. pp. 3–14. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  40. ^ Muhindo, Sivundaveko Mulume Vany (2008). "Etude des déterminants du développement du secteur informel en ville de Butembo" [Study of the determinants of the development of the informal sector in the city of Butembo] (in French). Butembo, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Adventist University of Lukanga. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  41. ^ a b Lusenge, Muyisa (2008). "Solidarité, famille et développement socio-économique en ville de Butembo" [Solidarity, family and socio-economic development in the city of Butembo] (in French). Butembo, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Catholic University of Graben. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  42. ^ Mabeka, Vincent de Paul Lwanzo (2007). "Etude de la commercialisation du ciment en ville de Beni" [Study of the marketing of cement in the city of Beni] (in French). Beni, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Université du CEPROMAD/Beni. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  43. ^ Hilditch, Simon (February 10, 2015). "Au-delà de la stabilisation: Comprendre les dynamiques de conflit dans le Nord et le Sud Kivu en République Démocratique du Congo" (PDF). International Alert (in French). Oval, London, England, United Kingdom. pp. 17–23 (15–21). Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  44. ^ a b c Mushi, Ferdinand Mugumo (January 1, 2013). "Insecurity and Local Governance in Congo's South Kivu" (PDF). Brighton and Hove, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom: Institute of Development Studies. p. 17. Retrieved October 13, 2024.
  45. ^ a b Verweijen, Judith (2016). McGuiness, Kate (ed.). A Microcosm of Militarization: Conflict, governance and armed mobilization in Uvira, South Kivu (PDF). Nairobi, Kenya: Rift Valley Institute. p. 14. ISBN 978-1-907431-40-1. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  46. ^ Verweijen, Judith (2016). McGuiness, Kate (ed.). A Microcosm of Militarization: Conflict, governance and armed mobilization in Uvira, South Kivu (PDF). Nairobi, Kenya: Rift Valley Institute. p. 14. ISBN 978-1-907431-40-1. Retrieved November 3, 2024.
  47. ^ "Province du Nord-Kivu: Plan de Développement Provincial du Nord-Kivu (2019-2023)" [North Kivu Province: North Kivu Provincial Development Plan (2019-2023)] (PDF). Plan.gouv.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. p. 46. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  48. ^ "Province du Nord-Kivu: Plan de Développement Provincial du Nord-Kivu (2019-2023)" [North Kivu Province: North Kivu Provincial Development Plan (2019-2023)] (PDF). Plan.gouv.cd (in French). Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. p. 44. Retrieved November 8, 2024.
  49. ^ Ntagereka, Patrick Bisimwa; Kinimi, Edson; Shukuru, Dieudonné Wasso; Mushagalusa, Elie Ntale Ya; Basedeke, Jean-Paul Mugisho; Bantuzeko, Fabrice; Bashimbe, Justin Aksanti; Tonui, Ronald; Baenyi, Simon Patrick; Birindwa, Ahadi Bwihangane (March 29, 2024). "Evidence of coinfection of African swine fever virus genotype X and Porcine parvovirus type 3 at pig farms in the North Kivu province, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo" (PDF). pp. 4–5. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
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  51. ^ a b c d e f g "Mineral extraction in the province of Nord-Kivu, DRC: present situation and analysis of environmental questions". Wrm.org.uy. World Rainforest Movement. August 10, 2015. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
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  53. ^ a b c d "North Kivu InfraSAP: Main Report" (PDF). Worldbank.org. Washington, D.C., United States: World Bank. June 10, 2021. p. 6. Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  54. ^ "Goma: huit véhicules de Supermatch saisis au Rwanda" [Goma: eight Supermatch vehicles seized in Rwanda]. Radio Okapi (in French). April 18, 2011. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  55. ^ "Affaire de huit véhicules saisis au Rwanda, Supermatch clame son innocence" [Case of eight vehicles seized in Rwanda, Supermatch claims its innocence]. Radio Okapi (in French). April 19, 2011. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  56. ^ "Annuaire/Répertoire/Liste 2018 des entreprises du Nord-Kivu/Goma" [Directory/List 2018 of companies in North Kivu/Goma]. Congovirtuel.com (in French). Retrieved November 13, 2024.
  57. ^ "Esco Kivu | High quality, organic cocoa, vanilla, cinchona and papain exporters". Esco Kivu Old. Retrieved November 13, 2024.
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  60. ^ Gordts, Eline (November 23, 2012). "PHOTOS: Tens Of Thousands Of Civilians Flee Goma". Huffington Post.

Sources

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Further reading

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  • Denis Tull, The reconfiguration of political order in Africa: a case study of North Kivu (DR Congo), Volume 13 of Hamburg African studies, Institut für Afrika-Kunde (Hamburg, Germany), GIGA-Hamburg, 2005, ISBN 3-928049-90-9, ISBN 978-3-928049-90-0, 342 pages
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