The European Union is mobilizing a humanitarian airlift to the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This operation aims to deliver essential supplies to the city of Goma, in a region where the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.
According to a press release from the European Commission, two flights carrying more than 180 tonnes of equipment, including medical and food supplies, are planned between Europe and Nairobi, from where the supplies will then be transported to Goma. This operation complements a first operation which took place between March and May 2023, during which 260 tonnes of supplies were transported in collaboration with France and the EU’s humanitarian partners.
This initiative comes in a context where the DRC faces numerous humanitarian challenges. With more than 6.2 million internally displaced people, the DRC has the highest number of displaced people in Africa. Additionally, more than a million Congolese refugees live in neighboring countries. The rapid deterioration of the security situation in the east of the country has led to the arrival of 1.1 million additional displaced civilians since March 2022. These populations live in precarious conditions, lacking food, water, sanitation, health care and shelter.
In addition to humanitarian challenges, the DRC faces recurring epidemics such as cholera, measles, monkey pox and Ebola. The fragile health system and lack of basic infrastructure exacerbate the situation and make humanitarian intervention necessary.
The European Union, together with its partners, is focusing on food aid, nutrition, shelter, protection, emergency health care, water, sanitation, hygiene and education of children affected by humanitarian crises. However, the protection of civilian populations remains a major challenge in conflict zones, where human rights violations are frequent.
This humanitarian airlift demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to supporting the population of the DRC during this difficult period and to contributing to the improvement of the humanitarian situation in the east of the country. It also illustrates the importance of international solidarity to address humanitarian crises and support the most vulnerable populations.