UN's Efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Despite ongoing security challenges, UN agencies and peacekeepers have committed to continue their operations, providing essential aid even as violence escalates and diseases like mpox spread rapidly during the worsening rainy season.
Here’s a breakdown of how the UN, its peacekeeping forces, and humanitarian agencies are supporting the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)—a nation of 105 million currently facing multiple urgent crises.
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Humanitarian Assistance
The United Nations has been assisting communities in the DRC since 1960, the year the country gained independence from Belgium and joined the UN. Over the years, the DRC has experienced repeated cycles of violence, most notably in the early 2000s and with the rise of the M23 armed group.
Despite recent deadly clashes—which led to the deaths of peacekeepers and the temporary relocation of non-essential UN staff from North Kivu—the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that teams remain on the ground, responding to growing humanitarian needs.
Providing Food, Shelter, and Essential Aid
With food insecurity worsening and living conditions deteriorating, the UN and its partners are actively delivering emergency assistance:
– 2.7 million people in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu face severe food shortages, according to OCHA. The UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) and UN Development Programme (UNDP) are working to provide food, medical care, and other essential items.
– The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is offering protection and support to displaced populations.
– The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) is ensuring human rights are upheld by connecting vulnerable communities with UN resources.
– The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is assisting displaced populations in Goma, offering shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene services, while also tracking population movements to inform effective humanitarian responses.
A Public Health Crisis
Continued violence and mass displacement have created a public health emergency, with WHO and other agencies warning of heightened risks of cholera, mpox, and other diseases:
– WHO reports that hospitals are overwhelmed, with thousands of injured people seeking medical treatment. WHO teams remain on-site, working to protect public health and administer thousands of doses of mpox vaccines.
– UNICEF is distributing emergency medical kits to hospitals in Goma, benefiting more than 50,000 people.
– The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) warns of skyrocketing maternal mortality rates, with three maternal deaths per hour, and reports that women and girls remain targets of sexual violence in conflict.
– Due to the escalating crisis, UN agencies are calling for urgent funding to sustain and expand emergency relief efforts.
➡️ To support the DRC Humanitarian Fund, click here.
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Peacekeeping Operations
The UN peacekeeping mission in DRC (MONUSCO) was established by the Security Council in 2010 to protect civilians and support peace efforts. While humanitarian agencies focus on relief efforts, peacekeepers play a complementary role by addressing security threats and violence.
➡️ Learn more about UN peacekeeping in DRC here.
Escalating Threats and Peacekeeper Casualties
Originally scheduled to withdraw by 2025, MONUSCO’s mandate was extended at the request of the DRC government in December.
However, escalating attacks by M23 combatants have led to the deaths of at least 20 UN and SADC (South African Development Community) peacekeepers. In an emergency UN Security Council meeting, MONUSCO chief Bintou Keita described the current situation as “we are trapped.”
Coordinating with Congolese Forces
To strengthen security, MONUSCO has intensified cooperation with the Congolese army (FARDC) and the SADC security mission, assisting military forces in combat operations.
Additionally, MONUSCO leadership has initiated high-level talks with Congolese authorities, coordinating efforts in security, human rights, humanitarian aid, and law enforcement.
➡️ For more on MONUSCO’s role, visit [here](https://monusco.un
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