Amid escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that 145,000 people have been displaced since October 1, with North Kivu bearing the brunt of the crisis. The humanitarian response is stretched thin as communities seek safety from frequent clashes among armed groups.
In practical terms, the situation translates to more than 8,000 people fleeing their homes each day on average. Many have already endured multiple displacements, which compounds their vulnerability and compounds the strain on local host communities and aid workers. The UN emphasizes the urgent need for shelter, food, clean water, medical care, and protection. Humanitarian partners are delivering essential aid, including food supplies, protection services, nutrition support, and blankets to those affected.
UNICEF notes that 2.8 million of the 4.9 million people in need are children. The agency also reports a 41 percent rise in confirmed cases of serious violations affecting minors when compared to the same period last year. The ongoing violence and attacks against civilians are eroding children’s rights, with incidents of murder, mutilation, abduction, and recruitment by armed groups documented. UNICEF warns that such violence hinders children’s education and long-term development as well.
Towards the end of September, security dynamics in Masisi, a district in North Kivu, deteriorated sharply. Several armed groups joined open hostilities, forcing thousands to flee the Masisi and Rusthuru areas. The scale of displacement in these communities underscores the broader humanitarian challenge in the region and highlights the critical need for sustained international support.
Democratic Republic of Congo currently houses the largest internally displaced population in Africa, exceeding 6 million people. Despite concerted efforts, humanitarian operations fall short of needs, with only about 36 percent of the requested funding available. The appeal stands at roughly $2.3 billion, of which $818 million (approximately 776 million euros) has been received. This funding gap constrains relief operations and the ability to protect and assist the growing number of people who depend on aid for survival.
Across the region, aid agencies stress the need for predictable funding, robust protection for civilians, and sustained access to affected communities. They call for coordinated efforts among international partners, governments, and local actors to ensure that aid reaches those most at risk and that children and vulnerable groups receive timely support, including health services, nutrition, education continuity, and safe spaces for families. The humanitarian response continues to adapt in real time to evolving security conditions, weather patterns, and logistical challenges, with the overarching aim of preserving lives and restoring a sense of safety for displaced households in North Kivu and beyond.
As the crisis persists, humanitarian leaders urge continued public awareness and donor generosity to bridge the funding gap. The stakes are high: every day of delay translates into greater risk for the displaced and heightened pressure on already fragile local systems. The international community remains committed to a coordinated, rights-respecting response that prioritizes the protection, dignity, and immediate necessities of those uprooted by conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo to help rebuild stability and opportunity for families affected by this crisis [OCHA] [UNICEF].