Uvira, August 5, 2025 — The humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to deteriorate as thousands of displaced families arrive in Uvira, fleeing violence in Goma and Bukavu. According to Mwami Romain Lenge, traditional leader of the Bavira chiefdom, many are sleeping outdoors and face heightened risks of waterborne diseases, with medical and relief services stretched beyond capacity.

In response, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) launched the digital campaign “Every Dollar Counts” (#Chaquedollarcompte) to raise emergency funds for the more than three million internally displaced people across the DRC. The initiative aims to restore access to food, clean water, and basic health services, which have been severely disrupted by ongoing conflict.

Humanitarian Coordinator Bruno Lemarquis emphasized that nearly eight million people have been forced to flee their homes nationwide. Yet, the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for the DRC has received only 11% of its $2.54 billion target, leaving critical gaps in aid delivery.

The crisis unfolds amid tentative diplomatic progress. On July 19, the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group signed a Declaration of Principles in Doha, Qatar, committing to an immediate ceasefire, restoration of state authority in occupied areas, and the launch of direct peace negotiations by August 8.

The agreement, brokered by Qatar and supported by the United States, outlines a roadmap toward a formal peace accord by August 18, though key issues—such as M23’s withdrawal, disarmament, and reintegration—remain unresolved. The declaration also opens the door to a potential summit in Washington between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, aimed at fostering regional stability and economic cooperation.

Despite these diplomatic overtures, M23 leaders have stated they will not withdraw from eastern DRC for now, citing unresolved security concerns. The rebel group continues to control strategic areas in North Kivu and South Kivu, including parts of Goma, exacerbating displacement and insecurity.

The region has been mired in armed conflict since 1998, with dozens of militias operating despite the presence of UN peacekeeping forces. The latest developments underscore the complexity of restoring peace and delivering aid in a landscape shaped by decades of instability.

As humanitarian needs surge and peace remains fragile, OCHA’s campaign calls on the international community to act swiftly. “Every dollar counts,” the agency posted, urging donors to help prevent further suffering among displaced Congolese families.

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