The European Union is stepping up its humanitarian commitment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by launching a new airlift to the city of Goma, in the east of the country. This operation aims to deliver essential supplies to reinforce the humanitarian response in an area where the situation continues to deteriorate.
According to a statement from the European Commission, two flights from Europe have already been organised, carrying more than 180 tons of equipment, including medical and food supplies. These flights are part of a humanitarian airlift that will include a total of eight flights until the end of August 2023.
The DRC is facing a major humanitarian crisis, with more than 6.2 million internally displaced people, the highest number in Africa. In addition, more than one million Congolese refugees live in neighboring countries. The situation is further aggravated by the instability in the region, with persistent violence and population displacements.
Supplies flown through this humanitarian airlift will help meet the urgent needs of affected populations, including food, water, sanitation, healthcare and shelter. The European Union is working with its partners to provide targeted aid and support to vulnerable populations in eastern DRC.
The situation in the DRC is also marked by recurrent epidemics, such as cholera, measles, monkeypox and Ebola. Health infrastructure is limited, which makes meeting health needs even more difficult.
Despite the challenges, the European Union remains committed to supporting the populations affected by the crisis in the DRC. EU-funded humanitarian projects aim to provide food and nutrition aid, shelter, protection, emergency healthcare and ensure access to education for children affected by the crisis.
The humanitarian airlift set up by the EU demonstrates the importance of international solidarity and humanitarian aid to meet the urgent needs of populations in crisis situations. It also recalls the European Union’s commitment to support countries affected by humanitarian disasters and to contribute to building a fairer and more equitable world