Ongoing conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have caused a severe humanitarian crisis. Millions have fled their homes, and urgent assistance is needed, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR’s regional director for the East and Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, stressed the need for immediate intervention. He noted that the war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has displaced over 3.7 million people. Many have sought refuge in Egypt, Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, and the Central African Republic.
“The situation is critical,” Balde said in a recent interview. “Millions have been forced to flee, and they urgently need humanitarian aid.”
Balde praised host countries for supporting Sudanese refugees. However, he emphasized the need to move them to safer areas, away from dangerous border regions. He noted that displaced civilians are calling for humanitarian assistance and an end to the violence so they can return home. UNHCR and its partners continue to provide emergency aid, but Balde warned that a lasting solution depends on peace and stability. Women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities remain the top priority.
“We need more support to prevent this crisis from worsening. Millions have already suffered displacement, and regional organizations must step up efforts to restore peace,” he said.
Beyond Sudan, conflict in eastern DRC has worsened the refugee crisis. The violence has forced thousands to flee, putting immense pressure on humanitarian resources. Before January, over 800,000 DRC refugees were living across the Great Lakes region, including Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and Rwanda. Since then, over 61,000 people have crossed into Burundi, while more than 18,000 have sought refuge in Uganda.
Balde called for regional mediation to end the violence in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. He also urged increased humanitarian support for displaced populations. UNHCR and its partners are providing emergency aid, but sustainable peace is the only way to stop this crisis.
He stressed the need for policies that help refugees become self-reliant through education and job opportunities. “We must implement policies that enable refugees to support themselves. This is our long-term priority, so they depend less on humanitarian aid,” he said.
As conflicts continue in Sudan and the DRC, humanitarian agencies face funding shortages. This challenge makes it harder to provide adequate support. Balde urged the global community to act. Without immediate funding, millions of displaced people will continue to suffer. “The world must step up. We need sustained funding to support life-saving efforts and help refugees rebuild their lives,” he said.