Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, January 30, 2025 — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to face an escalating humanitarian crisis as conflict-driven displacement leaves millions without access to food, clean water, electricity, and basic necessities. 400,000 people have been displaced across the DRC in January alone. The lack of fuel to power Goma’s water system has left countless families struggling to survive without safe drinking water or sanitation. Humanitarian efforts are severely hampered by the inability to locate displaced people, making it difficult to distribute essential aid. With overcrowded shelters and unsanitary conditions worsening by the day, the risk of a cholera outbreak and other waterborne diseases is escalating, further endangering an already vulnerable population. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) calls for all hostilities to cease and for electricity, water and internet to be restored immediately to ease the suffering of Goma’s population.
Beyond the immediate threat of disease, the humanitarian toll of the conflict is staggering. Over 780,000 people have been displaced in the past three months, while reports of sexual violence against women and girls continue to rise. Food insecurity is worsening, with families unable to access basic necessities.
In Goma, although relative calm has returned, the conflict has severely disrupted humanitarian operations. Shells have struck the Charity Maternity Hospital, killing and injuring civilians, including newborns and pregnant women. Meanwhile, thousands of displaced people have sought refuge in churches and temporary shelters with no access to clean water, food, or medical care.
Freddy Malembe, Senior Emergency Coordinator for the IRC in the DRC, said:
“Hospitals, already overwhelmed with thousands of wounded civilians, are unable to cope with the growing medical emergency. The IRC has provided medicine to Ketshero Hospital, which is treating over 500 injured individuals, but the need far surpasses available resources. The potential for mass disease outbreaks is escalating daily, exacerbating an already dire situation. Goma and surrounding areas are in urgent need of water, food, shelter, and medical assistance. Without immediate intervention, we risk a major cholera outbreak that could claim thousands of lives.
“The IRC has evacuated international staff from Goma to Kigali for safety. Our Congolese colleagues are currently in hibernation with their families. In Bukavu, displacement is straining limited resources, with more than 137,000 people in urgent need of assistance. The IRC is prioritizing health, water, sanitation, and protection efforts to mitigate further suffering.”
The IRC calls on all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and allow unimpeded humanitarian access. The international community must act now to scale up aid efforts and prevent further loss of life. The people of the DRC cannot afford to wait.
IRC has been operating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 1996. We provide emergency aid to people affected by recurrent crises while promoting governance and social cohesion within communities. We also offer essential health services, including primary healthcare, sexual and reproductive health services, infection prevention and control services, as well as water supply, sanitation, and hygiene services. We strengthen violence prevention and support survivors of gender-based violence through comprehensive interventions, including psychosocial support, economic recovery, ensuring access to essential services, such as legal and medical assistance, particularly in eastern DRC, which is facing an unprecedented protection crisis.