The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently facing an alarming humanitarian crisis, particularly in the restive province of North Kivu, which is home to 2.8 million displaced people. In the last week alone, over 150,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes due to continued fighting in the town of Lubero. Additionally, the strategically important town of Kanyabayonga was seized by M23 rebels, further exacerbating the already dire situation in the region.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that the situation in the capital city of Goma is rapidly deteriorating as it remains isolated from supply routes. Civilians in Goma are facing a myriad of challenges, including theft, burglary, abuse, and harassment. The presence of weapons in and around displacement sites significantly compromises the security of displaced populations, making it even more difficult for them to access essential services and resources.
Furthermore, the threat of natural disasters such as heavy rains, landslides, and floods looms large over the region, particularly in South Kivu and Tanganyika. These disasters have already displaced tens of thousands of people in May, adding another layer of complexity to an already dire situation in the DRC.
In addition to these challenges, the region is also perilous for humanitarian workers who are trying to provide much-needed assistance to vulnerable populations. Just recently, a humanitarian convoy was attacked in the town of Butembo, North Kivu, resulting in the tragic deaths of two relief workers. This incident is just one of over 170 security incidents that have directly targeted humanitarian workers since the beginning of the year, leading to the deaths of at least four individuals and injuries to 20 others. Additionally, more than a dozen humanitarian workers have been kidnapped in the first half of 2024, highlighting the dangerous conditions in which these individuals are operating.
Bruno Lemarquis, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the DRC, condemned the attack on the humanitarian convoy, emphasizing that “humanitarians are not targets, just as civilian populations are not targets.” He called for the security and protection of humanitarian workers to be ensured, and for the perpetrators of these violent acts to be identified and brought to justice.
In addition to insecurity and attacks on humanitarian workers, limited resources are also constraining aid efforts in the DRC. The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the $2.6 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for the DRC is only 26% funded, with $669 million raised so far. With full funding, the Plan would enable UN agencies and humanitarian partners to provide assistance and protection to approximately 8.7 million of the most vulnerable people in the country.
The situation in the DRC is dire, with millions of people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection. The ongoing conflict, natural disasters, attacks on humanitarian workers, and funding shortages are all contributing to the worsening crisis in the country. Immediate action is needed to address these challenges and ensure that the most vulnerable populations in the DRC receive the support and care they desperately need.
