IRC warns conflict in DRC has forced almost 3 million people to become displaced

The province of North Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is currently at the center of a worrying humanitarian tragedy. Since the end of 2024, an upsurge in violence has pushed the total number of people displaced to almost 3 million, nearly all of whom have very limited access to basic necessities. 

The rapid spread of diseases, such as cholera and Mpox, has exacerbated an already critical situation. Thousands of people have taken refuge in hospitals, churches and schools and are without basic assistance. Many people are staying with host families who have very little themselves. The rapid deterioration of needs means that DRC is on of the countries most at risk of worsening humanitarian crisis in 2025, according to the IRC's Emergency Watchlist 2025.

Heather Kerr, IRC DRC Country Director said, 

“The situation, which is worsening by the day, requires global attention and support; otherwise, women and children on the front-line risk being forgotten. North Kivu is facing a humanitarian crisis on an unprecedented scale. It is our collective duty to mobilize in support of those caught up in this conflict. Now is not the time for inaction; every second counts to bring hope and assistance to those in need. The international community must step up to provide funding for this crisis and all parties to the conflict must cease hostilities to allow for further scale up of assistance. “ 

With almost 780,0000 people having fled the fighting in three months, the situation continues to deteriorate, also affecting neighboring provinces such as South Kivu. The displaced camps around the city of Goma are overwhelmed by the influx of displaced people, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian aid. 

IRC, with nearly three decades of commitment in the DRC, is intensifying its emergency efforts in collaboration with local and international partners, targeting health, protection, and access to water, hygiene and sanitation. 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.