The Democratic Republic of Congo: A Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding

Introduction

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again at the center of a worsening humanitarian crisis, caught in the throes of escalating armed conflict, political instability, and a sharp decline in international support. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group, backed by foreign interests, has led to the rapid fall of strategic cities like Goma, a critical humanitarian hub (1). The conflict has displaced millions, overwhelmed aid organizations, and left communities struggling for survival in the absence of basic resources (2). At the same time, the abrupt cessation of U.S. foreign aid—historically a lifeline for humanitarian efforts—has compounded an already dire situation (3).

This article examines the intersection of intensified conflict, the collapse of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and the cessation of USAID funding. It dissects how these crises feed into each other and what they signal for the future of international aid in the region. By exploring the immediate and long-term humanitarian implications, this analysis sheds light on the evolving challenges in the DRC, the limitations of global response mechanisms, and the prospects for meaningful intervention amid systemic breakdowns.

1. Escalation of Conflict in Eastern DRC

Resurgence of M23 Rebels

The resurgence of the M23 rebel group has once again plunged eastern DRC into violent turmoil, exacerbating an already fragile security situation. Originally formed by former Congolese soldiers who mutinied in 2012, the M23 rebels have re-emerged as a dominant armed faction, rapidly advancing through strategic regions and capturing key cities, including Goma (4). Despite years of ceasefire negotiations, the group’s latest offensive has showcased a well-coordinated military strategy, leveraging sophisticated weaponry, strategic positioning, and alleged external support from neighboring Rwanda—a claim that Kigali continues to deny despite mounting evidence (5).

The seizure of Goma, a vital economic and humanitarian hub, underscores the extent of the group’s resurgence. The rebel forces quickly overwhelmed the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and outmaneuvered UN peacekeepers stationed in the region, leading to accusations of inaction against MONUSCO, the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission in the DRC (6). The loss of Goma has had profound geopolitical implications, forcing Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to intensify diplomatic efforts to rally regional and international support (7).

Humanitarian Impact

The rapid escalation of violence has triggered a humanitarian catastrophe, displacing over a million civilians and leaving tens of thousands without access to food, clean water, or medical assistance (8). Makeshift camps in and around Goma have been overwhelmed, with aid organizations struggling to provide basic necessities. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has reported that at least 350,000 displaced individuals remain without shelter following the destruction of temporary camps, forcing many to take refuge in churches, schools, and abandoned buildings (9).

The scale of human suffering is staggering. Mass displacements have led to an increase in gender-based violence, child exploitation, and outbreaks of disease, as overcrowded conditions and inadequate sanitation create breeding grounds for cholera and respiratory infections (10).

III. Collapse of NGOs and Humanitarian Operations

Operational Challenges

The escalating violence in eastern DRC has crippled the ability of humanitarian organizations to operate effectively. Armed conflict, targeted attacks on aid workers, and widespread insecurity have forced many NGOs to either scale down or completely halt their operations (11).

Aid groups have reported growing threats to their personnel, with several humanitarian workers killed, kidnapped, or forcibly displaced (12). In June 2024, two staff members from Tearfund were ambushed and killed in Butembo while transporting supplies, underscoring the dangers faced by those attempting to provide relief (13).

Corruption and Mismanagement

Beyond security challenges, internal corruption and mismanagement have also contributed to the collapse of NGO operations. Investigative reports have revealed widespread fraud within international and local aid agencies, undermining the effectiveness of relief efforts (14).

A 2020 investigation by The New Humanitarian uncovered extensive corruption in aid operations, detailing instances of fraud, bribery, and misallocation of funds (15). In 2024, an investigation into GiveDirectly revealed fraudulent activities that left many recipients in debt and financial distress (16).

1. Cessation of USAID Funding

The decision by the Trump administration to suspend U.S. foreign aid has dismantled key programs and crippled relief efforts. In early 2025, President Donald Trump ordered a 90-day freeze on USAID funding, halting food assistance programs, medical supply chains, and emergency relief efforts across Africa (17).

Among the most devastating impacts is the collapse of food assistance initiatives, which has left thousands of displaced families without access to sustenance. With aid convoys unable to deliver rations, refugee camps in eastern DRC have faced severe shortages (18).

Citations

1. wsj.com – Rwanda-Backed Rebels Enter Congo Safe-Haven City, Aid Hub (Jan. 27, 2025)
2. reuters.com – UN refugee agency says Congo fighting leaves 350,000 with no shelter (Feb. 14, 2025)
3. reuters.com – Congo humanitarian operations hit hard by Trump aid pause, says UN official (Feb. 11, 2025)
4. apnews.com – Rwanda-backed rebels take more towns as they expand (Jan. 28, 2025)
5. reuters.com – Rubio tells Rwandan president that US wants a ceasefire in Congo (Jan. 28, 2025)
6. au.int – AU Peace and Security Council emergency summit on DRC crisis (Jan. 28, 2025)
7. cfr.org – America’s Disastrous Foreign Aid Withdrawal (Feb. 5, 2025)
8. cgdev.org – Which countries are stepping up after US aid cuts? (Feb. 2025)
9. thenewhumanitarian.org – New Congo aid corruption report (June 11, 2020)
10. un.org – Women-led Peace Huts Resolve conflicts in Eastern DRC (2025)
11. who.int – WHO Emergency Update on Disease X in DRC (2024)
12. cidrap.umn.edu – US Funding Pause Impedes Mpox Response in DR Congo (Jan. 29, 2025)
13. thinkglobalhealth.org – Preparing for Disease X: Lessons from the DRC (2025)
14. nypost.com – Mystery Deadly ‘Disease X’ Spreads in Congo as WHO Struggles to Trace Origin (Dec. 9, 2024)
15. news.mongabay.com – Across the world, conservation projects reel after abrupt US funding cuts (Feb. 2025)
16. life-peace.org – Life & Peace Institute’s conflict transformation work in the DRC (2025)
17. tearfund.org – Two aid workers killed in Butembo attack (June 2024)
18. apnews.com – Congolese religious leaders meet with M23 rebels to discuss peace solutions (Feb. 2025)