Congo's humanitarian crisis deepens amid M23 violence

Continued violence in Democratic Republic of Congo has displaced more than 110,000 people in Goma. It's after the M23 rebels took control of the capital city. This, along with the halt of U.S. funding, has disrupted relief efforts.

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo has worsened due to widespread security issues, looting of supplies, the closure of Goma airport, and funding cuts, severely disrupting relief efforts, according to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Despite calls for a ceasefire, the M23 rebels have advanced on Bukavu, taken control of Goma, and displaced over 110,000 people, with nearly a million displaced since 2022.

The United Nations reports that eastern Congo relies heavily on U.S. aid, and funding cuts have already halted several projects.

U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarquis noted, "Out of the $1.3 billion in humanitarian aid, $910 million came from the U.S., meaning we are 70% dependent on it. This makes Congo the most aid-dependent country in the world, and replacing that funding will be extremely difficult. The consequences are already being felt, as several partners have had to pause their projects."

The M23, a rebel group formed in 2012 with mainly ethnic Tutsi fighters, emerged after a peace agreement they claimed was violated. Since then, they have launched violent campaigns in eastern Congo. After resurfacing in 2021, the group advanced into South Kivu in early 2025, capturing Goma and declaring their own administration.

Backed by Rwanda, the M23 claims to be fighting for the rights of ethnic Tutsis, while the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo argues that the group seeks control of the region's valuable mineral resources.

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