Kitchanga

Kitchanga, also known as Kitshanga, is a town and a camp for Congolese Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in the Rutshuru Territory of North Kivu Province in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Kitchanga is located 119 kilometers north of Goma and 10 kilometers north of Burungu. It also lies near Kizimba and Budey villages.

Subsistence farming is the main economic sector in the region. Local farmers cultivate crops such as maize, beans, potatoes, and various vegetables. Livestock farming is also an integral part of the local economy. It provides a source of income, as well as dairy products, meat, and other by-products for local consumption and trade. The region is also known for its mining activities, particularly the extraction of tin, tantalum, and tungsten. Kitchanga is home to various service-oriented businesses, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions and hospitality establishments.

Since 2012, Kitchanga has been affected by the protracted conflict that has engulfed the region, becoming a site of violence and mass displacement. On 20 November 2012, the March 23 Movement (Mouvement du 23 Mars; M23) seized control over significant portions of North Kivu Province, eventually capturing the provincial capital of Goma. The M23's reign was characterized by widespread human rights abuses, including the recruitment of child soldiers, the rape and sexual violence against women and girls, and the forced displacement of civilians. Consequently, Kitchanga has become a shelter for those fleeing violence while simultaneously serving as a contested town, a rebel stronghold, and a volatile battleground where clashes unfolded.