The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is critical. After years of longstanding conflict, the region is plagued by extreme famine (UN declares it is one of the worst worldwide), political instability and social unrest, violence and poverty (exacerbated also by inflation). At least 1,087 civilian deaths in Ituri and North Kivu have been declared by the UN Peacekeeping mission in DRC since June 2025, and this number did not cease to increase. The M23 rebel movement controls large areas of the country, pursuing attacks and subjugating entire cities.
Currently, 28 million people in DRC are facing acute hunger, as stated in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPV). Many are leaving the country in the hope of a better future and an escape from hunger and violence. In November 2024, UNHCR declared more than 6.7 millions of internally displaced people and and more than one million of asylum seekers. North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri are the ones suffering the most, under the siege of rebel movements which are cutting off and blocking any humanitarian aid. Inflation and disrupted supply chains, among many economic and financial struggles, are rendering the most basic needs impossible to obtain.
The UN Peacekeeping mission in DRC, MONUC, was established in 1999, and renamed MONUSCO in 2010. Its first mandate was to supervise the respect of the ceasefire agreement, changed afterwards to include protection of civilians, peace and security, and support of political institutions. The Head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, reiterated support for DRC and affirmed that diplomatic efforts are being made. Thus, Ms. Keita encouraged the population not to lose hope and that efforts will soon translate into concrete and visible action. However, MONUSCO activities are delayed or halted due to roadblocks, violent attacks, impeding the arrival of food, fuel, medicines, and all the necessary resources, exacerbated also by electricity and water cuts. Shelter communities are trying to provide alternative solutions, but are difficult to reach and unable to cover all needs. Alternative refuge is provided in the missions’ bases, yet it is still insufficient due to the seriousness of attacks, hunger, and violence.
However, diplomatic attempts to reach a permanent ceasefire are under way, signing the Doha Declaration of Principles on 19 July 2025, which stipulates a framework for the former. Guarantees such as the end of attacks from the rebel movements and the support to displaced people have been identified. MONUSCO’s mandate is to supervise the process, ensuring safety for citizens and the respect of said declaration. However, this same process is lengthy and the final outcome is impossible to foresee.
Comprehensive dialogue has been created among MONUSCO, DRC government and army and local communities, including women, to create a climate of responsiveness and inclusion. Resolutions adopted on the matter remain to be implemented, and presumably the effects will not be visible in the near future. As reported by Al Jazeera, former president Joseph Kabila was found to be sympathetic and collaborating with M23 rebel movements, a clear example of many setbacks in the success of negotiations. The sentence is the death penalty and the payment of reparations, highlighting the need for accountability and the strive for justice.
To read more, please visit:
- https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/10/1166031
- https://www.wfp.org/news/conflict-and-rising-food-prices-drive-congolese-one-worlds-worst-food-crises-according-new-ipc
- https://monusco.unmissions.org/en/background
- https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1166000
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/10/2/kabila-sentenced-to-death-what-it-means-for-drc-and-whats-next
