** The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo: an appeal to international solidarity in the face of the uncertainty of funding **
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at a critical crossroads of its history. The recent suspension of American aid via USAID highlights a major crisis in financing humanitarian aid, exacerbated by a continuous deterioration of the security situation in the east of the country. This emergency context was at the heart of the concerns expressed by a delegation of European Union parliamentarians (EU) during their visit to Kinshasa, from September 28 to 30, 2023.
### An alarming observation
The DRC is one of the countries in the world most affected by humanitarian crises, where the vulnerability of populations is increased by recurring conflicts and natural disasters. The recent clashes between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the M23 rebellion, suspected of being supported by Rwanda, have aggravated an already disastrous situation. Due to this instability, the need for increased defense of human rights and humanitarian support becomes a priority.
The freezing of American aid, representing around 70 % of the international aid provided to the DRC, is a blow for essential projects connecting the assistance to those who need it most. USAID, as the main American donor, had hired around $ 910 million in 2024, funds that supported a multitude of humanitarian programs ranging from health to education through food security. The absence of this aid could not only compromise many projects but also endanger the lives of thousands of Congolese.
### Reactions and concerns
Hilde Freemans, president of the European Parliament delegation to the Africa-EU parliamentary assembly, clearly expressed the “concern” of the delegation as to this suspension of aid, stressing the importance of continuity of support for humanitarian projects. This indicates an increasing consensus among international actors on the need to integrate the humanitarian issue in peace negotiations and in strategic discussions concerning the region.
The EU Ambassador in the DRC, Nicolás Berlanta-Martinez, also said that the loss of the USAID would create an “emptiness”, that it will be difficult to fill only with European funds, despite the EU’s commitment to maintain and increase his humanitarian aid. To date, the EU has already invested 100 million euros to support the DRC at the start of the year, but this remains insufficient in the face of the growing needs of the population.
### to increased mobilization
The current situation calls for an immediate reaction, both in terms of European institutions and national governments. The request for values for pleadings in favor of an increased humanitarian budget dedicated to the east of the DRC is an encouraging first step. This highlights the urgency of collective mobilization to prevent the situation from deteriorating more.
However, beyond the figures, it is crucial to wonder how this aid can be made more effective and adapted to the real needs of populations on the ground. The question of humanitarian financing should not be a simple set of figures: it is a question of ensuring that each euro spent has a significant impact.
### A reflection on the future
Faced with these challenges, it is imperative to consider lasting strategies that go beyond immediate assistance. What structural reforms can be set up to promote long -term resilience in Congolese? How can the various actors, including governments, NGOs and civil society, collaborate to ensure coherent and integrated humanitarian aid?
It is also essential to establish communication and transparency channels so that the population is informed and involved in the decision -making processes concerning humanitarian aid. This will not only help restore confidence in institutions, but also to strengthen the country’s fragile social fabric.
### Conclusion
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is a call for action, requiring an international organization which is both reactive and proactive. While the EU undertakes to support the country, it is advisable not to lose sight of the importance of a holistic approach which takes into account the deep causes of crises and seeks to establish lasting solutions. The path to lasting peace and stable development is long, and it requires flawless solidarity from the international community.