Over 230,000 individuals have fled violence in eastern DRC since January 1, 2023, leading to one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises. Armed conflicts, particularly involving the M23 group, have caused severe human rights violations and extensive displacement. The situation is further complicated by a dire lack of funding for humanitarian aid.
The United Nations reported that over 230,000 individuals have been displaced in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to escalating violence since January 1, 2023. This situation is described as one of the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises. The eastern provinces, particularly North and South Kivu, have endured conflicts for nearly three decades, with the M23 armed group, which has been bolstered by Rwanda, gaining significant control in recent years.
M23 is regarded by the DRC government as a terrorist organization and has expanded its territorial gains, seizing the town of Masisi in early January 2023. Escalating confrontations between various armed groups and the Congolese military have exacerbated the humanitarian situation. According to UNHCR spokeswoman Eujin Byun, the crisis is marked by serious human rights violations, leading to extensive forced displacement of civilians.
The two provinces are currently home to approximately 4.6 million internally displaced persons, establishing the DRC as one of the largest hosts of displaced populations worldwide. On January 6, 2023, intense fighting forced around 150,000 people to evacuate, with many briefly returning home before violence erupted again.
Local authorities in Fizi territory, South Kivu, revealed that they had sought assistance from international entities as they reported 84,000 displaced individuals seeking refuge in the area. Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating, with civilians facing indiscriminate bombings and sexual violence. Children are among those affected by the ongoing violence.
The UN reports that humanitarian access to affected populations is severely limited due to insecurity and the presence of armed groups. The UNHCR has stated its readiness to support once access is secured but emphasizes the urgent need for funding, citing a requirement of $226 million for aid provision in DRC for 2023, of which less than 10 percent has been raised to date.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in conflict for decades, especially in its eastern provinces, where natural resources are abundant yet heavily contested. The emergence of the M23 group, which has gained power with external backing, has intensified the battles between armed factions and the national army. Humanitarian challenges stem not only from violence but also from systemic issues of governance, poverty, and infrastructure, resulting in massive internal displacement and dire living conditions for millions.
The situation in eastern DRC remains extremely critical, with over 230,000 people fleeing violence since the start of January 2023. The conflict, primarily driven by armed groups like M23, has led to severe humanitarian crises marked by widespread human rights abuses. Without increased international funding and support, the plight of those affected may continue to worsen, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and assistance.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
