**A Humanitarian Crisis Escalates in the DRC: When War Claims Invisible Victims**
The recent escalations of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the provinces of North and South Kivu, do not just add to an already tragic list of armed conflicts. The fighting between the DRC Armed Forces and the M23 rebels, supported by allies, represents a humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions, where statistics and reports such as those of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) show the scale of the disaster, but also hide more subtle consequences that deserve to be explored.
### Figures that Challenge
With more than 178,000 people newly displaced since January 4, we are facing a rejuvenation of the internal displacement crisis in the DRC. According to OCHA, at the end of last year, there were already 1.67 million internally displaced people in South Kivu. If we focus on the heart of the situation, most of these displaced people already came from areas ravaged by previous conflicts, illustrating the cyclicality of violence and pain.
### A flight into the unknown: the process of displacement
The living conditions of the displaced, often reduced to seeking refuge in schools, raise a central question: what happens when these spaces of protection become, themselves, zones of vulnerability? In Minova, where populations fleeing violence are heading towards localities such as Nyamasasa and Kinyezire, the reality of mass displacement also puts pressure on local resources, often already limited. This poses not only logistical but also psychosocial challenges for the communities hosting the displaced.
### The psychological impact of armed conflict
In addition to human losses and geographical displacement, the war in the DRC also causes invisible wounds: psychological trauma. Often, the voices of survivors are drowned out by the noise of weapons and the cacophony of numbers. The stories of people who have fled conflict zones, not once but several times, are often ignored. How can we assess the cost of a childhood marked by violence? Fear, anxiety and loss of bearings make many displaced people silent victims of this conflict, having a lasting impact on generations to come.
### A region caught in a vice: between resources and conflict
One of the elements often underestimated in conflicts such as the M23 is the geopolitical complexity of the region. South Kivu and North Kivu are rich in mineral resources, often attracting armed factions who, under the guise of nationalism, exploit these riches to finance their wars. The struggle for control of these resources is accompanied by increased violence against civilian populations.. Taking this factor into account, it becomes clear that the resilience of local communities is also linked to economic and security struggles that go far beyond ongoing conflicts.
### Solutions beyond the emergency
The humanitarian emergency is undeniable, but what is the place for long-term solutions that aim not only to help the victims but also to address the roots of the problem? Stabilizing the region requires a strong international commitment, not only in terms of humanitarian assistance but also sustainable development. National and international consultations, peace initiatives, and a real dialogue between actors on the ground – this is the essential triptych to envisage a way out of the crisis.
### Conclusion: The peace agenda
At a time when fighting continues to rage in localities such as Bweremana and Minova, it is imperative that the international community does not limit itself to a reactive humanitarian response. The DRC must be at the top of the global peace agenda, not only to end violence, but also to rebuild societies where human rights are respected and where access to resources, education and security is guaranteed for all. The voices of survivors, of the displaced, must be heard; their stories deserve to be told. Because beyond the numbers, it is essential to remember that each number represents a life, a hope, and a shattered dream.