The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the first half of 2023 was discussed at a meeting of the Council of Ministers. According to the Minister of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Actions and National Solidarity, the situation is particularly worrying, with nearly 6 million internally displaced people and around 26.5 million people in need of assistance.
The government highlighted the challenges it faces, such as the armed conflicts in the province of North Kivu, the abuses committed by the Mobondo militia in the west of the country, as well as the populations affected by natural disasters such as the Kalehe disaster. Faced with these crises, the government is implementing targeted interventions in certain provinces, notably South Kivu, North Kivu, Tanganyika and Kwamouth.
To support the government’s efforts, donors and partners are mobilized to implement the 2023 humanitarian response plan. This plan, launched last February, aims to finance the critical needs of people affected by conflicts, epidemics and natural disasters, particularly in the eastern provinces of the country.
The estimated amount needed to help around 10 million people in the DRC is $2.25 billion. However, the previous year’s humanitarian appeal was only 48% funded, leaving millions of people without the necessary assistance.
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC has been exacerbated in recent months due to an upsurge in violence, particularly in North Kivu where more than 600,000 people have been displaced since March 2022.
It is essential that the international community continue to provide support to deal with this humanitarian crisis in the DRC. Coordination between humanitarian actors, the Congolese government and donors is essential to ensure effective assistance and meet the critical needs of the population.
Links to previous blog posts:
1. Britain is committed to supporting the transparency and credibility of elections in the DRC.
2. Street children in Kinshasa: a worrying reality that requires urgent action.
3. K-Fokam 2023 International Scrabble Tournament: Congolese Ngumba Ibn triumphs and becomes African champion.
4. Fally Ipupa ignites London: a legendary concert at L’Ovo Arena Wembley.
5. President Cyril Ramaphosa strengthens economic cooperation with the DRC during his historic visit