Funding Shortfalls Leave Displaced Families in Eastern DRC Without Critical Aid

Image credit, NRC

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached catastrophic levels, with hundreds of thousands displaced in the wake of escalating violence. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has issued a stark warning that while the recent ceasefire is welcome, only a lasting peace will bring meaningful relief to the millions affected. The cycle of violence has left entire generations knowing nothing but conflict, with their needs consistently neglected by both national and international actors.

The displacement crisis has pushed thousands into dire circumstances, forcing them into overcrowded internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in and around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. However, these camps have become increasingly insecure, compelling many to flee once again. While some have found refuge in host communities, countless others remain without shelter, food, clean drinking water, or access to basic healthcare. The destruction and looting of critical infrastructure have further compounded the suffering of those already on the margins of survival. The NRC has emphasized that the ceasefire, while a step forward, does nothing to alleviate these immediate hardships unless it is followed by sustained peace and security.

Humanitarian organizations, including the NRC, are struggling to meet the urgent needs of displaced populations, particularly in the outskirts of Goma where new waves of displacement continue. With over 480,000 people forced from their homes since the start of January 2025 alone, the scale of the crisis is overwhelming existing relief efforts. The NRC has called for immediate action to ensure sufficient funding for life-saving aid operations and unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas.

Despite the worsening situation, international attention remains scant, leaving millions of Congolese without the assistance they desperately require. The United Nations estimates that 5.6 million people are currently displaced within the country, with the majority concentrated in the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. In Goma alone, there are nearly 700,000 internally displaced persons struggling to survive amid mounting insecurity and dwindling resources.

The NRC has urged all parties to the conflict to prioritize humanitarian access, allowing aid organizations to reach those most in need. The suffering of the Congolese people cannot continue to be ignored. Immediate relief must be provided to those facing starvation, disease, and exposure, while long-term solutions must be pursued to break the cycle of violence that has plagued the region for decades. The world must act decisively, not only to address the urgent humanitarian needs but also to support a path toward lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC.