The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains critical, with a continued deterioration in security and humanitarian conditions. The recent violent clashes between the Congolese Armed Forces and the M23 rebels, supported by the Paul Kagame regime, have once again highlighted the enormous challenges facing the population of the region.
During the discussions between Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka and Bruno Lemarquis, Humanitarian Coordinator in the DRC, priority was given to the dramatic situation in the east of the country. The two parties discussed future collaboration between the Congolese government and the humanitarian community, stressing the urgency of concerted action to address the needs of the affected populations.
In particular, the possible disengagement of MONUSCO in the DRC was discussed, with emphasis on the need for a well-prepared security transition, particularly in South Kivu. The presence of numerous armed groups, including the resurgence of the M23 and the activism of the ADF and Codeco, has led to an alarming number of forced displacements, with nearly 7.3 million people displaced across the country. The figures are alarming, with 40% of the inhabitants of Ituri, more than 30% of North Kivu and more than 20% of South Kivu being displaced.
Bruno Lemarquis stressed the importance of finding lasting political solutions to end the crisis and allow the return of populations in safe conditions. He also launched an urgent appeal to donors to meet the humanitarian needs, estimated at US$2.6 billion. Current efforts only cover a fraction of these needs, highlighting the need for increased mobilization of the international community.
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is of an alarming scale, with new outbreaks of violence exacerbating the already precarious situation of vulnerable populations. The Congolese government and the humanitarian community have launched an appeal for the mobilization of funds to finance the 2024 humanitarian response plan, aimed at providing vital assistance to 8.7 million people in urgent need.
Faced with this humanitarian emergency, it is imperative that concrete and coordinated measures are taken to meet the needs of the affected populations. International solidarity and cooperation between humanitarian actors and the Congolese authorities are essential to address this unprecedented crisis. It is high time that concrete actions are taken to provide relief to the millions of displaced and vulnerable people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.