UN, Aid Groups Sound Alarm over Soaring Displacement in DR Congo

The United Nations and its humanitarian partners have recently warned that escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has led to a record 7.2 million people being displaced from their homes.

In a joint statement, the leaders of 20 aid organizations said that more than 700,000 people have been forced to flee in recent months alone. “Ensuring that sufficient aid reaches civilians in need swiftly and without impediment is critical,” said UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths.

However, the statement noted that the humanitarian response plan is severely underfunded, leaving millions without life-saving support. The crisis has also fueled a surge in gender-based violence and food insecurity across the country.