Humanitarian crisis in the DRC: increasing violence and millions displaced in the east of the country

In January 2025, fighting in North and South Kivu displaced hundreds of thousands, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. UNHCR is calling for urgent assistance.

The ongoing conflict between armed groups and the Congolese army in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu has led to one of the most severe humanitarian crises worldwide, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). These two provinces, already deeply affected by violence, currently host more than 4.6 million internally displaced people, making the Democratic Republic of the Congo one of the largest centers of displaced populations globally. Civilians are enduring continuous attacks, including indiscriminate bombings, sexual violence, and the use of heavy artillery in densely populated areas.

In January 2025, intense fighting in the territories of Masisi and Lubero in North Kivu forced around 150,000 people to flee, while another 84,000 people were displaced in the Fizi territory of South Kivu. The living conditions of the displaced population are dire, with many seeking refuge in overcrowded camps or makeshift shelters, suffering from severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical care. UNHCR is urgently calling for safe and unhindered humanitarian access, highlighting the critical need for increased international support. To date, less than 10% of the required funding has been secured.

Meanwhile, in Tshopo province, intercommunal violence between the Mbole and Lengola communities has displaced 107,000 people and worsened ethnic tensions. The conflict, primarily over land disputes, has led to severe human rights abuses, including extrajudicial executions, sexual violence, looting, and village burnings. The United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO) reports that nearly 97% of documented violations have been committed by the Mbole and Lengola groups, despite the presence of military forces such as the National Intervention Legion (LENI).

Given the gravity of the situation, an immediate and coordinated response from the international community is crucial to prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of civilians in the DRC.