North Kivu

North Kivu is a province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with its capital at Goma. The province sits on the border with Rwanda and Uganda, occupying a strategic position in the Great Lakes region of central Africa. North Kivu's economy is based on agriculture, mining and cross-border trade, with significant deposits of coltan, gold and other minerals, though extraction is often informal and contested. The province is home to several million people and includes major urban centres such as Goma, Beni and Butembo, as well as parts of Virunga National Park. North Kivu has been at the centre of recurring armed conflict since the 1990s, with numerous militia groups, including the M23 and various Mai-Mai factions, operating in the region and displacing large civilian populations. Insecurity has severely disrupted economic activity, public services and humanitarian access, while also complicating efforts to control disease outbreaks such as Ebola. The province's instability is rooted in ethnic tensions, competition over land and resources, and spillover from the Rwandan genocide and subsequent regional wars. Governance remains fragmented, with the Congolese government exercising limited control over rural areas. North Kivu's humanitarian situation is among the most acute in Africa, with millions of internally displaced persons and chronic needs in health, nutrition and protection. The province's challenges are compounded by its rugged terrain, poor infrastructure and the presence of armed groups that exploit mineral wealth to finance operations.