Humanitarians Remain Committed to Aiding Civilians in Eastern DR Congo
Bruno Lemarquis, the Deputy Special Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), provided updates on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the country. He highlighted the challenges in delivering aid, which include widespread looting of critical supplies and the significant impact of the United States’ decision to suspend billions of dollars in foreign assistance.
In 2024, the DRC was the largest recipient of U.S. humanitarian aid, accounting for 70% of the total $1.3 billion in funding received.
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Escalating Conflict in Eastern DRC
Lemarquis emphasized that the security situation in the east remains highly unstable. Armed clashes continue to escalate, resulting in large-scale displacement and worsening insecurity, particularly in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Since January, the M23 rebel group has launched an unprecedented offensive, seizing control of key territories in the mineral-rich region.
On January 27, M23 forces took control of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, leading to the deaths of 2,900 people and injuring many more. The rebels are now advancing toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
However, M23 is not the only armed group causing devastation in the DRC. Lemarquis revealed that at least 52 civilians were killed in Ituri by the CODECO armed group.
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Ongoing Clashes and Growing Consequences
M23 and Rwandan forces are advancing towards Kavumu Airport, located near Bukavu, a city with a population of 1.3 million.
“Fighting is still ongoing and will likely continue,” Lemarquis warned, adding that M23 may attempt alternative routes to reach Bukavu, which could have devastating consequences for civilians.
The armed group, which is part of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) coalition, has solidified its control over Goma by appointing a de facto governor and mayor.
Despite some improvement in security, the situation in Goma remains tense.
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Breakdown of Law and Human Rights Violations
Lemarquis noted an alarming rise in “mob justice,” fueled by the widespread availability of small arms and ammunition, as well as the looting of courthouses.
“This further complicates efforts to restore the rule of law in a region already plagued by severe human rights abuses and a culture of impunity,” he stated.
In addition, human rights activists and journalists—especially those working on sexual and gender-based violence—continue to face threats, disappearances, and summary executions.
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Lack of Essential Services
Many residents in Goma continue to endure harsh humanitarian conditions. Services such as water and electricity remain largely unavailable, forcing people to rely on Lake Kivu for water, which increases the risk of waterborne diseases.
However, there have been minor improvements. Efforts to restore power and water supply are underway, and schools have partially resumed after a two-week suspension due to intense fighting.
Despite this, hospitals remain overwhelmed with a dire shortage of medical supplies.
“**Mortuaries are at full capacity, and medical teams are struggling to handle the exceptionally high number of war-wounded patients,**” Lemarquis reported.
“**The risk of disease outbreaks—especially cholera and mpox—is high, food prices are rising, and the demand for food assistance keeps increasing.**”
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Aid Workers Determined to Stay Despite Challenges
Humanitarian organizations remain committed to assisting affected populations, despite the difficult conditions.
Now that the situation in Goma is somewhat stable, relocated humanitarian personnel are being brought back to reinforce response efforts.
However, significant challenges persist.
– Looting of UN and aid agency facilities has resulted in the loss of millions of dollars in supplies.
– Goma’s airport remains closed, making it impossible to evacuate the severely injured or bring in life-saving medical supplies.
“**Without the airport, we cannot transport urgent medical aid or deploy additional humanitarian workers,**” Lemarquis stressed.
He called on all parties involved to cooperate in reopening the airport and allowing humanitarian flights to resume as soon as possible.
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US Aid Suspension and Its Impact
Humanitarian operations in the DRC are heavily dependent on U.S. funding. The suspension of foreign aid by the Trump administration has severely affected or completely halted multiple aid programs.
In 2024, humanitarians needed $2.5 billion to respond to the crisis but were only able to secure $
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