The International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcomed a peace agreement between Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda this week, calling it a rare chance to end decades of violence and displacement in the region, according to an IOM statement. The deal was brokered by the United States, African Union, and Qatar. It comes as DRC marks 65 years of independence. But IOM Director General Amy Pope said peace must be felt on the ground, not just in political agreements.
The deal offers hope for one of the world’s most persistent crises. In eastern DRC alone, more than 700,000 people have been displaced since the start of 2024 as violence got worse. Families have been forced to flee their homes multiple times. Often with little more than what they can carry. They’re seeking safety in overcrowded shelters, informal sites, or host communities that are already under pressure.
Pope said the agreement is a chance to chart a new course for peace and security in DRC. But she stressed that peace must mean safety for families who fled their homes, support for communities that opened their doors to displaced people, and a future for young people who have known nothing but conflict. She called on the international community to support not just the political process but also humanitarian and recovery efforts.
IOM teams have been providing emergency shelter, healthcare, protection services, and mental health support to those hit hardest by the violence. They’re also helping host communities that face huge pressure as they take in people forced to flee their homes.
The peace agreement marks a hopeful turning point, but the road to lasting stability will be long and complex. Years of conflict have left deep scars and humanitarian needs remain huge. IOM said it stands ready to work with national authorities, regional bodies, and international partners to make sure this agreement leads to real progress.
