Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has faced a growing crisis for years, caught in a web of conflict driven by armed groups battling for control of the region's wealth of natural resources. The impact of this violence has devastated the local economy and severely affected civilians. As of early 2025, areas around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, have witnessed an alarming surge in violence, creating a humanitarian crisis that has forced over 1.5 million people to flee their homes.
The roots of this conflict lie in the country's rich deposits of minerals like gold, copper, lithium, and oil. These valuable resources have drawn the attention of various factions, leading to violent confrontations and power struggles. The fight for control has transformed communities into battlefields, making daily life perilous for ordinary people.
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been the site of a decades-long protracted conflict, with armed groups fighting to access and control its natural resources like gold, copper, lithium, and oil. Civilians have been caught in between, facing attacks, repeated displacement, and increasingly dire conditions in camps, particularly around Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Fighting in eastern DR Congo has rapidly escalated in 2025, displacing hundreds of thousands as humanitarian needs skyrocket.
The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The ongoing conflict has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands of individuals from their homes. Many families live in makeshift camps under increasingly dire conditions. Access to essential resources—such as food, clean water, and healthcare—is critically low, making basic survival a daily battle.Since January 2025, fighting between M23/AFC (Alliance Fleuve Congo), the Congolese army, and their respective allies has escalated. M23 has been progressively taking over territory in eastern DRC since 2022, and the fighting intensified in January 2024, causing mass casualties and displacement. The conflict has impacted people’s access to health care, food, and other basic needs, triggering mass waves of displacement and raising the risk of disease outbreaks.
The living conditions in these camps are shocking. Overcrowding, a lack of sanitation, and an increased risk of disease are constant threats. Humanitarian organizations struggle to meet the basic needs of those displaced, as limited funding and dwindling resources complicate their efforts. With displaced numbers soaring, there’s an urgent need for international support to alleviate this growing suffering.
According to MSF spokesman,"some displacement camps and temporarily withdraw some staff from several medical facilities and offices in Goma, however there's continued care for the wounded at Kyeshero Hospital. After several days of violence and looting in Goma, the situation de-escalated somewhat, allowing MSF teams to resume activities in and around Goma. These activities include: supporting Kyeshero and Virunga hospitals in treating wounded people;
collecting and distributing blood bags for overwhelmed hospitals;
returning to several displacement sites to support local health centers; expand or re-establish cholera treatment units and special clinics for survivors of sexual violence; provide food, water, and fuel for water pumping stations; and empty latrines and install hand-washing facilities.
Priorities at this stage remain caring for the wounded and reducing the risk of cholera outbreaks, which is a concern due to unsafe water sources, inadequate sanitation, and displacement. MSF teams continue to assess humanitarian needs every day, both in the camps and in the city of Goma, as the impact on the population is enormous. The next few days will allow us to assess the next steps".
As conflict intensifies in eastern DR Congo, many families have little choice but to leave their homes, fleeing with only the clothes on their backs. Reports show that in 2025 alone, projections indicate over 2 million people as internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The psychological toll is profound. Many have experienced firsthand violence or witnessed horrific acts. Children, in particular, suffer immensely, grappling with issues like anxiety and severe stress. In 2023, studies indicated that nearly 60% of children in these regions showed signs of mental health issues due to their experiences. The disruption of their education exacerbates their struggles, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and uncertainty.
Long-term recovery strategies are essential. Programs focused on mental health services, educational access, and community rebuilding must be implemented to pave a healthier future for these vulnerable population Armed Groups
Amidst the chaos, armed groups have profited from the turmoil, often indulging in illegal activities such as resource exploitation and human trafficking. Controlling lucrative mines has become a key objective, allowing these factions to gain substantial wealth and influence. For example, it has been documented that certain factions reportedly earn up to $2 million monthly from illegal mining operations.
These groups often act without consequence, complicating efforts for peace. Various national and international initiatives to negotiate ceasefires continue to falter, leaving many civilians in jeopardy. Robust disarmament and demobilization programs are vital for breaking this cycle of violence and helping communities reclaim their safety and stability.
International Response and Humanitarian Aid
The international community has made efforts to respond to this escalating crisis, with various NGOs and humanitarian organizations trying to provide essential services. Yet, multiple challenges hinder these efforts, including logistical issues, security threats, and insufficient funding.
While immediate assistance is necessary, tackling the fundamental causes of the conflict is equally crucial. International partners need to cultivate a stable political climate that empowers local communities to reclaim control over their lives and futures.
The situation in eastern DR Congo is complex, with the humanitarian crisis showing no signs of improvement. Civilians live in hardship as daily survival becomes increasingly difficult. . By actively addressing both the symptoms and origin of violence, there is a chance to create a more hopeful future for the region.As conflict continues to ravage Eastern DR Congo, humanitarian needs are rising sharply.
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