Displaced People in Eastern Congo Receive new Aid

The humanitarian situation in the DRC is worsening as fighting intensifies in the eastern part of the country. Already critical after decades of conflict, security has deteriorated further with the new offensive by M23 rebels.

The European Commission announced Tuesday a â‚¬60 million humanitarian aid package for displaced people in and around Goma. Fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and M23 rebels, who the United Nations says are backed by Rwandan troops, has triggered a massive new wave of displacement.

Since October 2024, more than 480,000 people have fled North Kivu, adding to the 6.4 million already displaced across the country.

Overcrowded displacement camps are struggling to cope, and overwhelmed health facilities are barely managing the influx of wounded people and the growing risk of disease outbreaks. Despite an emergency medical aid package of $17 million from the UN, the needs far exceed the available resources.

The EU funds will go toward building shelters, providing clean drinking water, distributing food, and supporting education programs for children affected by the conflict. This new aid is part of a larger effort, bringing the EU’s total support to the DRC to more than â‚¬272 million since 2023.

Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to protecting civilians. "Humanitarian access remains a challenge for our partners due to the intensity of the fighting, but we will ensure these funds are released without delay," she said. She also urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law, particularly concerning displaced people, aid workers, and medical facilities.

President Félix Tshisekedi held a crisis meeting on January 26. No details were released about the outcome. However, Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya Katembwe stated that protecting civilians is the top priority. Meanwhile, the DRC has taken its case to the UN Security Council, accusing Rwanda of violating peace agreements and demanding the withdrawal of its troops.