Humanitarian Emergency Deepens in Eastern DRC as Thousands Flee Rapidly Escalating Violence

Renewed fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has triggered a sharp and urgent escalation in displacement. Thousands are fleeing toward Goma, already overwhelmed with displaced families, while others head toward Bukavu through neighboring localities of Kalongu, Makele, and Kinyenzire. 

Displacement has nearly tripled since August 2023, with over 1.6 million people—75% of them women and children—now uprooted in eastern DRC. Yet, as violence intensifies, the humanitarian response remains woefully underfunded, with only 40% of the 2024 response plan met and aid organizations struggling to meet growing needs. 

Mercy Corps Country Director for the DRC, Rose Tchwenko, says: 

"Fast-surging violence in North Kivu threatens to plunge eastern DRC into an even more catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Displacement has soared to a staggering 400,000 this year alone—an alarming figure that has nearly doubled in less than a week—with thousands still trapped and unable to leave conflict areas. Camps for displaced people in Saké and on the outskirts of Goma are emptying as people flee toward Goma, where already overstretched camps are struggling to cope with the influx. 

“Goma is more than a regional capital—it is the lifeline of humanitarian operations across eastern DRC, and the scale of this renewed crisis threatens to overwhelm its capacity. After years of bearing the brunt of relentless conflict, Goma is now perilously close to breaking. 

“Humanitarian access is nearly impossible, resources are stretched to their limits, and displaced families are left in dire need of food, clean water, medicine, and shelter. The breakdown of key supply routes between North and South Kivu has cut off essential movements, leaving the Rwanda border as the last functional corridor. Families—whether displaced or in communities hosting those fleeing violence—are enduring food shortages and skyrocketing prices. 

“Many of our own team members are desperate to return to Goma to care for their loved ones, but the harsh reality is that movement in and out of the city is extremely challenging. This heartbreaking situation underscores the paralyzing fear and uncertainty gripping the entire region. 

“We urge global support and swift action to prevent an even greater catastrophe. Immediate and sustained humanitarian access, increased funding to address the growing needs, and a united commitment to protecting civilian lives and pursuing lasting solutions for peace are essential. This is not the time for conversation—it is the time for urgent, decisive action.” 

For more information, please contact: 

• Grace Wairima Ndungu, Senior Africa Media & Communications Manager (based in Nairobi), at gndungu@mercycorps.org | Cell: +254 722 890551.
• Natalie Fath, Director of Communications (based on the East Coast, U.S.), at nfath@mercycorps.org.
• Our full media team is reachable at allmediarelations@mercycorps.org.