The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a stark warning over a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where a severe escalation in fighting has forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
Intense clashes between Congolese government forces and the M23 rebel group, which Congo alleges is backed by neighbouring Rwanda, have created a wave of displacement towards the already strained city of Goma in North Kivu province. The ICRC reports that its teams are completely overwhelmed by the scale of the crisis.
A City Under Strain
The influx of displaced people is placing immense pressure on Goma and its surrounding areas. Makeshift camps are swelling beyond capacity, with many new arrivals forced to sleep in the open without adequate shelter, food, or clean water. The Red Cross highlights that access to essential healthcare is becoming critically limited for both the displaced and host communities.
"The needs are immense and continue to grow by the hour," an ICRC spokesperson stated, describing the situation as one of the most complex they have faced in the region.
The Human Cost of Conflict
Beyond the immediate displacement, the conflict is severing family ties and creating a protection crisis. The Red Cross is facilitating phone calls for separated families, a vital service that underscores the trauma and chaos inflicted upon the civilian population. The violence is also disrupting livelihoods and agricultural activities, raising fears of a severe food security crisis in the coming months.
This recent surge in violence is part of a long-standing conflict in eastern Congo, a region rich in natural resources but plagued by decades of instability and the presence of numerous armed groups. The M23's advances have reignited regional tensions, with Congo repeatedly accusing Rwanda of supporting the rebels, a claim Kigali denies.
An Overwhelmed Response
Aid organisations on the ground are struggling to keep pace with the escalating needs. The Red Cross is urgently calling for increased support and, crucially, for all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and allow safe passage for civilians and aid workers. The coming days are seen as critical in determining whether a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe can be averted.
