DR Congo’s president signs an official book during a meeting in New York as the UN secretary-general looks on, with talks focused on the DRC peace process.In september 22/2025
DRC government and UN mobilise $1.4B to protect vulnerable communities
DRC and the UN are appealing for $1.4B as funding falls, forcing aid groups to reduce operations amid conflict and displacement.
Published:
January 29, 2026 at 2:13:23 PM
Modified:
May 15, 2026 at 7:03:26 PM
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the United Nations have launched a $1.4 billion humanitarian appeal, warning that a sudden drop in funding is already constraining relief operations as needs grow amid continued fighting in the east as cited by Africanews.
UN Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarchand said the country is facing large-scale displacement tied mainly to conflict, with 5.3 million people internally displaced and 4.1 million people recently returned, including three million in 2025, which he linked largely to the M23 crisis.
He also warned that financial pressure is rising quickly, describing a “drastic and sudden drop in funding” over just a few months an abrupt shift that has left some organisations unable to continue operating.
Beyond financing, Lemarchand highlighted the operating risks for responders, calling the DRC a dangerous environment for humanitarian work. He said 13 humanitarian workers were killed in 2025 and that there were around 700 security incidents affecting aid workers. He also pointed to reported violations of international humanitarian law and human rights as additional constraints on delivering assistance.
DRC’s Minister of Social Affairs and Humanitarian Action, Ève Bazaiba, said the government is simultaneously trying to support displaced and vulnerable communities while managing what she described as three major shocks: conflict, climate hazards and epidemics.
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She added that the state must also assist Congolese citizens who have become refugees in other countries, and said authorities have observed NGOs “packing up and shutting down” due to insufficient resources.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of the M23 insurgency, which escalated again in 2021. The UN has accused Rwanda of backing M23 an allegation Kigali has repeatedly denied and the conflict has contributed to recurring displacement and humanitarian needs in eastern DRC.
Source: Africanews
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