UN Calls for Urgent Action as DRC Conflict Escalates

Source: UN / Image: © UNHCR/Bernard Ntwari

Bruno Lemarquis, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), stated on Wednesday, “The conflict is rapidly escalating, particularly in South Kivu province, severely impacting the civilian population.” He added, “Civilians cannot continue to bear such a heavy toll for this expanding conflict, which now threatens the stability of the entire region.” On Sunday, opposition fighters seized control of Bukavu, the second major city in eastern DRC, within just a few weeks.

This appeal from the humanitarian official comes amid reports of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advancing with heavy weapons, forcing people to flee from conflict zones. Lemarquis has emphasized the need to halt the fighting and resume dialogue. Among the top priorities for humanitarian aid groups is reopening airports to facilitate relief flights. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the security situation in Bukavu remains tense.

Humanitarian partners reported widespread looting in different parts of Bukavu over the weekend. This includes a warehouse of the World Food Programme (WFP), which contained 7,000 tons of supplies. OCHA has confirmed that commercial boats on Lake Kivu, connecting Bukavu and Goma, have resumed operations. Displaced people have taken shelter in various churches and community centers.

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator has stressed the urgent need for flights to deliver aid supplies. He also called for adherence to international law regarding the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Last week, relief agencies raised concerns over a 72-hour ultimatum issued by M23 representatives in Goma, ordering displaced people to return to their villages.

Lemarquis reaffirmed that the sole mission of humanitarian organizations is to provide essential aid and protection to those most in need, “wherever they may be… This action is guided by humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity, and independence, without any political or partisan involvement.”

The crisis in the DRC remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian emergencies, stemming from decades of clashes between the Congolese armed forces and various non-state armed groups, widespread human rights violations, and sexual violence.

The recent escalation in eastern DRC has displaced millions within weeks. Between 10,000 to 15,000 people have fled to Burundi in just a few days. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 7 million people are displaced within the country, while over 1 million have sought refuge outside DRC.

Most of these refugees have fled to Angola, Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zambia. In a country seven times the size of Germany, over 500,000 refugees and asylum seekers also reside.

UNHCR has urged an immediate end to the fighting in eastern DRC to prevent further displacement and civilian casualties.