Due to the absence of clashes as well as patrol operations by MONUC, nearly 65% of the families that fled from Kanyabayonga, 150km north of Goma due to insecurity, have started returning home during the past week.

The same situation is happening in Kaina, Lubero, 200km north of Goma. Unfortunately in Kanyabayonga, most of the houses were looted by armed troops who carried away mattresses, blankets, kitchen utensils and many valuables.

As to local sources, the first returnees got to Kanyabayonga on 20 November last and they did not have food or clothes. Since returning home, they have been denied access to their farms, occupied by DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and their dependents.

Schools did not resume because headmasters' offices were looted.

In Rutshuru territory, along the Kinyandoni-Ishasha axis, at least 20% of the local populations have returned home. They found refuge in Uganda last week, when they fled the CNDP's military advance. They have not yet decided to resume their usual activities for fear of being attacked by the CNDP, whose advanced post is situated in Nkwenda, 17 kilometers from Kiwanja.