The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing one of the world’s most alarming humanitarian crises, with over 230,000 people displaced since the beginning of the year due to escalating violence.
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, describes the situation as “the most alarming” humanitarian crisis globally.
The conflict in the resource-rich eastern provinces of North and South Kivu has been ongoing for three decades, with the M23 rebel group becoming a dominant force in recent years.
The group has seized large areas of eastern DRC since 2021 and taken control of the town of Masisi in North Kivu earlier this month.
According to Eujin Byun, spokesperson for UNHCR, the conflict is marked by widespread human rights violations and massive forced displacement.
Byun notes that intense fighting in the Masisi and Lubero territories forced approximately 150,000 people to flee their homes between January 1 and 6 alone.
The situation is dire, with civilians facing indiscriminate bombings, sexual violence, and targeting of children.
The local government in South Kivu’s Fizi territory has requested international assistance, reporting that 84,000 people have sought refuge there.
UNHCR is ready to provide assistance as soon as access is restored, but emphasizes that more funding is urgently needed to address the crisis.
The agency requires $226 million to address the protracted emergency in the DRC, but has received less than 10% of the needed funding so far.
