Congo Violence Forces Fresh Wave of Refugees into Kenya as Regional Crisis Deepens
Nairobi, 19 January 2026
Fresh fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has triggered a new influx of displaced people into Kenya as of 17 January 2026, adding pressure to already strained refugee resources. The latest arrivals flee escalating violence in South Kivu province, where M23 rebels and various militias continue clashing despite withdrawal announcements. Since December 2025, thousands have crossed into neighbouring countries, with Burundi alone receiving massive numbers through three border points. Kenya now faces urgent demands for registration, shelter, and basic services for these new arrivals, whilst regional displacement figures continue climbing across East Africa’s interconnected refugee crisis.
M23 Withdrawal Announcement Fails to End Violence
The M23 rebel group’s announcement on 18 January 2026 that it would withdraw from Uvira and place the city under international community responsibility has done little to quell ongoing violence in eastern DRC [1]. Despite this declaration, clashes between Wazalendo fighters and M23 forces continue around Uvira, with the armed group seizing control of the strategic town of Lemera in Uvira territory on Thursday [1]. Local residents remain sceptical about the withdrawal, with one resident noting this marks the second time M23 has announced such a move [1]. The group’s political coordinator, Corneille Nangaa, warned UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of persistent security threats from actors not signatory to peace agreements, including the Burundian army, FDLR, and Wazalendo militias [1].
Massive Displacement from South Kivu Violence
The deteriorating security situation has generated significant population movements since early December 2025, with violent clashes concentrated around Kamanyola, Luvungi, Katogota and Uvira in South Kivu province [2]. Since 5 December 2025, thousands of Congolese refugees have entered Burundi through the entry points of Buganda, Gatumba and Rumonge, prompting UNHCR to implement a counting system to track movements [2]. The trend indicates a worsening situation requiring urgent mobilisation for registration and assistance, according to UNHCR documentation from 17 January 2026 [2]. Kenya is now experiencing this new influx of refugees from DRC as of 16 January 2026, with UNHCR and Kenyan authorities collaborating to provide assistance to the arriving refugees [3].
Regional Response Capacity Under Strain
The fresh arrivals compound existing pressures on East African host countries already managing substantial refugee populations. Tanzania has been facilitating voluntary repatriations, with 3,734 Burundian refugees supported to return home from Tanzanian camps since 8 January 2026 [4]. However, the region continues grappling with multiple displacement crises simultaneously. In Chad, UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih highlighted on 16 January 2026 the acute needs of Sudanese refugees, noting that over 900,000 have arrived in eastern Chad since April 2023, part of Sudan’s displacement crisis affecting 12 million people [5]. Salih emphasised that assistance provided falls far below minimum required levels due to funding shortfalls [5].
Urgent Humanitarian Needs and International Response
The new DRC refugee influx into Kenya requires immediate humanitarian intervention including registration, temporary shelter, food rations, and basic services [GPT]. This adds to existing refugee populations in Kenya’s camps and settlements, potentially impacting resource allocation and camp capacity planning [GPT]. UNHCR’s Operational Data Portal is coordinating information sharing to facilitate proper response and support for the new arrivals [GPT]. As UNHCR’s Salih noted during his regional visit, sustainable international support and inclusive policies are essential to move from responding to displacement emergencies towards providing long-term solutions [5]. The silence from both the Congolese government and MONUSCO regarding M23’s latest statements leaves civilians uncertain about the future of the peace process and their immediate safety [1].