UNICEF has issued a stark warning to the global community, urging immediate intervention to address the deteriorating situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where ongoing violence between government forces and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has escalated, further endangering millions of lives. The organization stresses that without swift political engagement and substantial financial support, the crisis will only deepen, threatening both immediate and long-term stability in the region.
In a recent interview with Anadolu, James Elder, UNICEF spokesperson, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that the combination of armed conflict and a deadly Mpox virus outbreak has created a humanitarian disaster of unprecedented proportions. Elder, who recently spent a week in Goma—one of the most affected cities in North Kivu province—warned that the region is facing a near-collapse of both public health and social systems.
Health and Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies Amid Conflict
The ongoing violence, which erupted in late January, has taken a devastating toll on the local population. Thousands have been killed, and nearly a million people have been displaced from their homes. Children, already vulnerable, are facing a relentless combination of conflict and disease, with many returning to find their homes destroyed and livelihoods wiped out.
“The situation is catastrophic. We’ve seen children return to their villages only to discover their homes have been burned, their families displaced, and their fields destroyed. The need for international support has never been greater,” Elder said.
In addition to the violence, the region is grappling with the spread of Mpox, with health systems already under immense strain. UNICEF and its partners are working tirelessly to control the disease’s spread, focusing on remote areas where healthcare infrastructure is almost nonexistent. Despite these efforts, Elder cautioned that the situation remains perilous, with many affected areas still inaccessible to humanitarian organizations due to ongoing conflict.
Funding Cuts Pose Additional Challenges to Aid Efforts
The situation is further complicated by significant cuts to humanitarian funding, which have made it increasingly difficult for organizations like UNICEF to provide critical aid. Elder expressed concern that, despite the dedication of health professionals and volunteers on the ground, the lack of sufficient resources is severely hindering efforts to mitigate the crisis.
“Rapid funding cuts have made it even harder for us to respond at the scale needed. We are facing shortages of vital supplies such as vaccines, nutrition, and medical resources. Without these, we cannot meet the needs of those affected by this catastrophe,” Elder explained. While Goma has seen a temporary lull in violence, he warned that the risk of further conflict remains high, with large parts of the region still highly volatile and difficult to access.
Security Concerns Continue to Block Aid Delivery
The eastern DRC is facing a severe security vacuum. With no police forces operating in many areas, and the local population living under curfew, daily life has become increasingly difficult. Elder pointed out that humanitarian aid efforts are frequently disrupted by ongoing violence, making it impossible to reach all the communities in need.
“We are doing our best to get help to the most remote areas, but there are places we simply cannot access due to the violence,” Elder said. “In addition, the horrific levels of sexual violence, particularly against children, are a daily reality in many parts of the region. The situation is dire, and we need more resources and support to make a meaningful impact.”
Elder also highlighted the severe challenges faced by children in the region, noting that sexual violence, displacement, and lack of access to basic services have left many young people traumatized and without the support they need to recover.
Political Dialogue Key to Long-Term Peace
While the situation remains grim, Elder expressed cautious optimism that political negotiations could pave the way for a resolution to the conflict. The M23 continues to occupy several strategic areas in the east, including Goma, and the continued fighting threatens to undo any progress toward peace.
“Ultimately, peace can only come through dialogue. The violence will only stop when all parties involved agree to put down their weapons and engage in meaningful negotiations,” Elder stressed. He also emphasized the importance of accountability, particularly regarding sexual violence, which has reached appalling levels in the region.
Millions of Children at Risk Without Immediate Action
Elder underscored that if the violence continues and humanitarian aid continues to dwindle, millions of children in the region face severe consequences. “The future of an entire generation is at risk,” he warned. “If we do not act now, millions of children will die, and the region’s long-term stability will be jeopardized.”
He urged the international community to recognize the importance of investing in the DRC’s children, not only for their immediate well-being but also for the country’s future economic development. Strengthening the region’s health system and ensuring access to education are critical for building a stable and prosperous future.
Global Health and Security Threatened by Inaction
Elder concluded by reminding the world that the crisis in eastern DRC is not isolated—it has global implications. Past outbreaks of diseases such as Ebola and Mpox have demonstrated how instability in the region can lead to public health risks that extend beyond the DRC’s borders. The international community, he said, must act now to prevent further escalation.
“We live in a highly interconnected world. What happens here doesn’t stay here,” he said. “The spread of disease and insecurity from this region can have far-reaching consequences. The world must support peace and health infrastructure here, or face the consequences of allowing the crisis to worsen.”
Fighting and Displacement Escalates
Since early 2024, fighting between M23 and government forces has intensified, with the rebel group seizing control of key areas in North and South Kivu. This has resulted in widespread displacement, with nearly 1 million people fleeing their homes and over 7,000 people killed. The DRC and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, an allegation the Rwandan government denies.
The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, formed after a failed peace agreement in 2009. The group, named after the date of the failed agreement, has destabilized the region and continues to contribute to the insecurity and humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC.