In the fertile plains of Kibumba, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, farmers like Ndagijimana Ntaboba are returning to their ancestral lands, only to find them under the control of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Displaced by conflict, these farmers face the daunting task of reclaiming and revitalizing fields now overseen by insurgents. Ntaboba, for instance, had to pay $600 to regain access to his own farm, highlighting the complex challenges faced by returnees.

Since January, intensified clashes have displaced approximately 1.2 million people in North and South Kivu provinces. Simultaneously, about 1.8 million individuals have returned, often compelled by the dismantling of displacement camps by M23 forces. In Kibumba alone, 59,700 out of 60,000 displaced residents have come back, many to find their homes destroyed and lacking essential farming resources like seeds.

Humanitarian organizations express concern over the precarious conditions, warning that unresolved land disputes could reignite tensions. Despite these hardships, returnees exhibit resilience, striving to rebuild their lives amidst uncertainty.

The broader conflict has significantly impacted the region's economy, with the closure of key industries and surging prices for basic goods. Efforts by UN peacekeepers to protect farmers underscore the ongoing struggle for stability and the critical need for sustained support to restore livelihoods in eastern Congo.