Refugee Congress Extremely Concerned with Escalating Violence Displacing Thousands in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Refugee Congress is extremely concerned about the safety and protection of civilians and forcibly displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as armed conflict between the national military and the militia group M23 escalated over the weekend.
On Monday, rebel groups seized control of Goma, the DRC’s third-largest city that was already hosting over 600,000 forcibly displaced people. Thousands are once again fleeing the violence as gunfire and bombing takes place in the city streets and overcrowded areas. So far this month, over 400,000 people have already experienced forced displacement in the DRC due to ongoing regional conflicts. Humanitarian concerns have heightened as hospitals are reaching capacity with injured civilians caught in the crossfires, and humanitarian aid has been restricted by road closures.
Refugee Congress joins the international community in calling for the prioritization and protection of civilians and forcibly displaced people amid this devastating violence. All parties involved in the conflict must ensure the safety and protection of the civilians, uphold human rights and international law, and allow immediate and unrestricted access of critical humanitarian assistance to the community.
“As the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo worsens, my heart breaks for the countless women and children who bear the heaviest burden of this crisis. The displacement of hundreds of thousands of people is not just a statistic—it’s a devastating reality for families torn apart and communities uprooted. We must act urgently and collectively to protect the most vulnerable, prioritize humanitarian aid, and work toward sustainable solutions that restore hope and dignity to those affected by this unimaginable violence,” said Jessi Calzado-Esponda, Honorary Delegate.
“We are deeply alarmed by the worsening conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where escalating violence has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The suffering of civilians, particularly forcibly displaced people, continues to grow as violence devastates communities, forcing countless families to flee their homes in search of safety,” said Rose Lokwang, Delegate for Ohio. “The world cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of millions who are trapped in this crisis, enduring unspeakable atrocities, food insecurity, and displacement. The people of the DRC deserve peace, dignity, and security. We urge the international community, humanitarian organizations, and governments to act swiftly to prevent further suffering and work towards a sustainable resolution to this devastating conflict.”
