### Gel of American aid to the DRC: the repercussions of a political decision on dangerous lives
On January 20, 2025, a striking decision of the United States government resounded in the global humanitarian landscape. While the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is already struggling with a humanitarian crisis with gigantic proportions, the suspension of international aid by Donald Trump has disastrous repercussions. It is essential to dive into the heart of this situation, not only to understand its immediate consequences, but also to consider the possible alternatives and approaches that the international community could adopt in the future.
#### An exacerbated Congolese humanitarian crisis
The DRC, in particular its region is, suffers from a complexity of crises which interact with each other. In January 2025, the United Nations counted nearly 3,000 conflict deaths, 700,000 displaced people and basic infrastructure, already fragile, completely annihilated. In regions like North Kivu, the vitality of humanitarian aid is crucial, however it is in these places that the impact of American frost is felt with the most acuity. This country depends strongly on this aid, with almost 70 % of its humanitarian resources from Washington.
### NGOs: Sentinels of humanity
Non -governmental organizations (NGOs) play a fundamental role in buffer between the growing despair of populations and the essential resources that achieve them. Under the aegis of the National NGO Forum, Confohd, these humanitarian actors began to face the immediate effects of the suspension of aid. Budget cuts have already led to the cessation of vital programs. For example, the distribution of drugs for tuberculosis, malaria or HIV has been compromised. It is not just a question of figure, but that of human life affected on a daily basis.
### Comparation with other crises: a history lesson
To put this in perspective, in 2011, the food crisis in the Sahel saw the influx of American aid under Obama to support populations suffering from famine. This scenario brutally contrasts with the current situation in the DRC where assistance is suspended. We could then question the sustainability of the humanitarian response to complex crises. With a population estimated at 46 million inhabitants, the DRC shows the same under-funding patterns as those observed during crises in Ethiopia and Somalia. This parallel highlights the importance of traceability and continuity of aid.
#### Geopolitical involvement: the repercussions beyond the DRC
This help freezing also raises geopolitical issues. The DRC is at the center of a fight of influence between different actors, including Rwanda and various insurrection movements. By suspending this aid, the United States leaves a vacuum that could be filled by other forces, both malicious and malicious. In other words, the decision does not only concern the financing of human initiatives, but could also strengthen the influence of unscrupulous regimes in the region.
#### Call to renewed solidarity
Humanitarian actors like Dr. Joseph Kakisingi and Luc Lamprière argue for “visibility” concerning the future of American aid. The international community must act quickly not only to alleviate the effects of this frost, but also to boost an autonomous response capacity of the DRC. This could result in alliances with emerging countries, promoting multilateral international aid, or even the encouragement of Congolese diaspora funding.
### Conclusion: the need for a global approach
In the current context, the DRC is at a critical crossroads. The population desperately needs solidarity, and the effect of frozen American aid is a brutal reminder of the fragility of the situation. A holistic approach that aligns international solidarity with a sustainable help strategy has become more crucial than ever. The challenge is colossal, but the commitment of the international community not to turn their backs on the DRC could make all the difference. For there to be a tomorrow for the Congolese, the answer should not only be financial aid, but also real support for the construction of a better future.