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 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 one 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.