More than 230,000 flee eastern DR Congo violence since start of the year

Published 9:50 AM ET, Sunday January 19, 2025

The United Nations has reported that more than 230,000 people have been displaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the start of the year.

This alarming situation is primarily driven by ongoing violence, particularly in the eastern regions of the country, where M23 rebel groups continue to clash with government forces and among themselves.

The UN refugee agency UNHCR on Friday described the displacement as “the most alarming” humanitarian crisis in the world.

“Escalating clashes between non-state armed groups and the Congolese army in North and South Kivu provinces are intensifying one of the world’s most alarming yet under-reported humanitarian crises,” said Eujin Byun, spokesperson for UNHCR, speaking to reporters in Geneva.

The conflict, Byun warned, is “marked by widespread human rights violations and massive forced displacement.”

Byun noted that intense fighting in the Masisi and Lubero territories forced approximately 150,000 people to flee their homes between January 1 and 6 alone. Many returned briefly during a lull in fighting on January 4 but were forced to flee once more as new fighting erupted, according to the UN.

In South Kivu’s Fizi territory, the local government has requested international assistance, noting that 84,000 people have sought refuge there.

Byun cautioned that civilians are enduring “indiscriminate bombings and sexual violence,” with children also being targeted.

“Already, dire humanitarian conditions are worsening rapidly, and access to these vulnerable populations is severely restricted by insecurity, roadblocks, and the presence of violent armed actors,” Byun added.

UNHCR has stated it is ready to provide assistance as soon as access is restored but emphasised that more funding is urgently needed.