The security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to deteriorate in certain regions such as Irumu, Mahagi, and Djugu. Attacks by armed groups have caused more than 202,000 people to move to safer areas since the start of 2023, according to the office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs in the DRC (OCHA). There are currently more than 1.6 million displaced people in the country.
Women represent the majority of the affected population in these areas. More than 84% of displacements are linked to armed clashes, which makes the situation particularly difficult for women and children. Although some armed groups have signed peace agreements, their application remains insufficient in these territories.
Despite the return of nearly 829,000 people, insecurity remains an obstacle to peace, particularly in the regions of Djugu, Irumu, and Mahagi where a large number of people have been displaced. This instability has an impact on the economic development of the region and constitutes a brake on the implementation of humanitarian projects.
The dissolution of the Social Fund also risks depriving the DRC of a billion dollars of funding for humanitarian and development projects. The growing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, as well as the presence of Rwandan troops in support of the M23 terrorists, also constitute an obstacle to peace.
However, there are also positive initiatives, such as the demobilization of armed combatants in Lubero, the creation of a special economic zone in Musienene, or the establishment of a national coalition against illegal logging and regulation of the forestry sector. It is also important to remember that paying taxes is an essential civic act for the development of the country.
Much remains to be done to stabilize the security situation in these regions, guarantee the security of displaced populations, and promote the economic development of the region.