Humanitarian Crisis in Nord-Kivu: A Comprehensive Overview (January – June 2025)

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2025: A Crisis in teh DRC:

Goma, DRC – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a deepening humanitarian crisis marked by increasing violence, mass displacement, and outbreaks of disease. Reports through the first six months of 2025 paint a grim picture, with escalating incidents across multiple regions.

escalating Violence and Targeted Attacks:

The year has witnessed a surge in violence targeting both civilians and aid workers. Inthe eastern province, 3 workers of international NGOs were killed in Birambizo, while in Lubero territory, 35 civilians perished in attacks at mining sites. the conflict in Lubero escalated further with 52 deaths reported in May in the Mabuo and Kazaroho areas, and Goma city saw 20 civilians killed in a single week in June.

Security threats to Aid Workers:

The dangers are not limited to physical attacks. A staff member of an NGO was arrested in Bambo, Rutshuru territory, and convoys were attacked near Lushagala and Baraka in May, highlighting the increasing risks faced by those delivering essential aid.

Mass Displacement:

The unrest has sparked significant population movement. notably, 180,000 people were displaced within Binza territory in April, while another 96,000 sought refuge in Rutshuru and 300,000 in Lubero in February. In June, 77,000 people fled to Masisi, and 21,884 people have sought shelter in newly established centers in Goma. Although some residents are beginning to return to areas like Nyiragongo, Rutshuru and Masisi, the underlying conditions contributing to displacement remain.Hindrances to a Human response:

The delivery of humanitarian assistance is gravely hampered by logistical challenges and security concerns. The Bugomba-Katal axis remains blocked restricting access. Most importantly, Goma Airport was temporarily closed in May, disrupting the supply chain of vital resources. There have also been interruptions to aid distribution in Kashebere due to security risks, and the closure of humanitarian offices in Birambizo.

Health Crisis:

The DRC is concurrently battling multiple epidemnics. As of June, 5,342 confirmed cases of cholera have been recorded along with 100 suspect cases and 13 deaths in Bilobilo.Furthermore, 6,592 cases of monkeypox have been recorded between January and June. Reports of anthrax in the Virunga park in Rutshuru have raised further concerns.

A complex Crisis Rooted in Instability:

These converging crises underscore the DRC’s persistent instability and the critical need for sustained humanitarian support. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is actively involved in the response and encourages greater international attention and assistance.

What programmatic adjustments were made to address the escalating food insecurity levels reaching IPC Phase 3 or above for over 3.5 million people?

Humanitarian crisis in Nord-Kivu: A Thorough Overview (January – June 2025)

Escalation of Conflict & displacement (January – march 2025)

The first six months of 2025 witnessed a dramatic escalation of the humanitarian crisis in Nord-Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Renewed fighting between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army (FARDC), alongside increased activity from other armed groups, triggered mass displacement and a severe deterioration of living conditions.

Key Drivers: The resurgence of M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda (claims consistently denied by Rwanda), was a primary catalyst. Competition for control of vital resources – including coltan, gold, and timber – fueled ongoing conflict. Political instability and weak governance further exacerbated the situation.

Displacement Figures: UNHCR reported over 800,000 newly displaced individuals between January and March 2025, bringing the total number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nord-Kivu to over 2.8 million. Manny sought refuge in overcrowded displacement sites, particularly around Goma and in neighboring provinces.

impact on Infrastructure: Critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water sources, were repeatedly targeted or damaged during clashes, severely limiting access to essential services.Road networks were disrupted, hindering humanitarian access.

Worsening Humanitarian Needs (April – June 2025)

The months of April through June saw a deepening of the humanitarian crisis, characterized by widespread food insecurity, increased rates of gender-based violence (GBV), and a growing health crisis. The situation was compounded by limited funding and logistical challenges.

Food Insecurity: The World Food Program (WFP) warned of a looming famine,with over 3.5 million people facing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or above).displacement disrupted agricultural activities, and ongoing insecurity prevented farmers from accessing their fields. Supply chains were severely disrupted, leading to soaring food prices.

Health Crisis: Overcrowded displacement sites and damaged healthcare facilities led to outbreaks of cholera,measles,and malaria. Access to healthcare was severely limited, particularly for women and children. Malnutrition rates among children under five reached alarming levels.

Protection Concerns: Reports of sexual violence, recruitment of child soldiers, and other forms of GBV increased dramatically. The lack of security and the breakdown of law and order created a climate of impunity. Human Rights Watch documented numerous cases of atrocities committed against civilians.

Funding Gap: Despite urgent appeals, the humanitarian response remained severely underfunded. The UN estimated a funding gap of over 60% for the Nord-Kivu crisis, hindering efforts to provide life-saving assistance.

Specific Vulnerable Groups & Their Challenges

Certain populations faced particularly acute vulnerabilities during this period. Targeted assistance and specialized interventions were crucial.

Women & Girls: Disproportionately affected by GBV, including sexual assault and exploitation. Limited access to reproductive health services and psychosocial support.

Children: At risk of recruitment into armed groups,malnutrition,and psychosocial trauma. Disrupted education and increased vulnerability to exploitation.

Elderly & People with Disabilities: Often left behind during displacement, facing important barriers to accessing assistance and protection.

Host Communities: strained by the influx of IDPs, leading to increased competition for resources and potential for conflict.

Humanitarian Response & Challenges

International organizations and local NGOs worked tirelessly to provide assistance, but faced significant challenges.

Key actors: UNHCR,WFP,UNICEF,the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),and numerous local NGOs were actively involved in the response.

Assistance Provided: Food assistance, shelter, water and sanitation, healthcare, protection services, and psychosocial support were provided to affected populations.

Logistical Hurdles: Poor road conditions,insecurity,and bureaucratic obstacles hampered the delivery of aid. Access to certain areas remained restricted due to ongoing fighting.

Security Risks: humanitarian workers faced increasing security risks, including attacks and kidnappings. The operating habitat remained extremely volatile.

Case Study: The Situation in Sake

The town of Sake, located west of Goma, became a focal point of the crisis in early 2025. intense fighting between the M23 and FARDC led to massive displacement and a complete breakdown of services.

Displacement Wave: Over 200,000 people fled Sake in February 2025, seeking refuge in Goma and surrounding areas.

Humanitarian Access: Humanitarian access to Sake was repeatedly blocked, preventing aid organizations from reaching those in need.

Impact on Healthcare: The local hospital was overwhelmed with casualties and lacked essential supplies. Outbreaks of cholera and measles were reported.

* Community Resilience: Despite the immense challenges, local communities demonstrated remarkable resilience, organizing self-help initiatives and providing support to displaced families.

Looking Ahead: Priorities for July – December 2025

Addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in nord-Kivu requires