Event Description
Eastern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly North Kivu Province, have witnessed renewed armed clashes in recent weeks between government forces and armed groups, resulting in new waves of civilian displacement from villages and conflict-affected communities. Field reports indicate that fighting has occurred in areas near the city of Goma as well as in several surrounding rural areas, forcing many families to flee in search of safer locations. These developments are part of the broader and protracted conflict in eastern DRC, where the presence of multiple armed groups continues to contribute to instability and insecurity, making the region one of the most fragile security environments in Africa.
Humanitarian Conditions
The Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to face one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world due to persistent armed conflict in its eastern provinces. According to United Nations estimates, approximately 14.9 million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026 as a result of conflict, economic hardship, and limited access to basic services. At the same time, humanitarian data indicate that around 6.9 million people are internally displaced within the country, the majority of whom are concentrated in the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. In addition, food insecurity remains a major concern. Recent food security analyses estimate that about 26.6 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above), driven by ongoing violence, disrupted agricultural production, and weakened local markets.
Displaced families face severe difficulties in accessing shelter, food, clean water, and healthcare services, while host communities struggle to cope with the growing pressure on already limited resources.
Security Situation
The security situation in eastern DRC remains highly complex due to the presence of numerous armed groups operating across the region and competing for control over territory and natural resources.
Recurring clashes, attacks on villages, and insecurity along key roads continue to destabilize affected areas. These dynamics increase risks for civilians and disrupt economic activities and basic services in several conflict-affected communities. Security reports indicate that the persistence of armed violence in eastern DRC increases the likelihood of repeated displacement and undermines the ability of both local authorities and humanitarian organizations to ensure protection and essential services for civilian populations.
Organizations' Response
United Nations agencies and international humanitarian organizations continue to deliver emergency assistance to displaced populations and conflict-affected communities in eastern DRC. Humanitarian actors are providing food assistance, healthcare services, water and sanitation support, and emergency shelter for displaced families. In addition, nutrition programs targeting children and pregnant women are being implemented in several affected areas. However, continued fighting and insecurity in some locations restrict humanitarian access and limit the ability of organizations to scale up assistance to meet the growing humanitarian needs.
Recommendations
- Strengthen humanitarian coordination to ensure assistance reaches the most affected communities.
- Expand food assistance and cash support programs for displaced households.
- Support essential healthcare services in displacement areas and host communities.
- Improve safe humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas.
- Strengthen civilian protection programs, particularly for women and children in high-risk areas.