The number of internally displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached a record 6.9 million, according to a report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This alarming situation reflects the major humanitarian crisis plaguing the country, mainly in the eastern provinces.
Indeed, around 81% of displaced people reside in the eastern provinces, notably North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika. Armed conflict is identified as the main cause of these massive displacements. In North Kivu alone, more than a million people have been displaced due to conflict with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group. The security situation is deteriorating day by day, leading to increased displacement and a growing humanitarian need.
Faced with this unprecedented crisis, IOM is mobilizing to provide assistance. The organization is involved in the management of 78 displacement sites, where more than 280,000 displaced people have found shelter. Emergency shelters were built, non-food item kits were distributed and water, sanitation and hygiene services were strengthened. Additionally, IOM provides mental health and psychosocial support services for site residents experiencing psychological distress.
While these actions are crucial, the needs remain immense and many people desperately need help to meet their basic needs. Unfortunately, IOM’s operations in the DRC remain significantly underfunded, with less than half of the necessary funds raised to date.
In a context where conflicts persist and violence intensifies, the DRC faces one of the largest internal displacement and humanitarian crises in the world. There is an urgent need for the international community to mobilize more to provide financial and logistical support to IOM and other organizations engaged on the ground. Only a global and coordinated response will make it possible to alleviate the suffering of displaced people and rebuild a better future for the Democratic Republic of Congo.