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DR Congo: Goma Crisis

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M23, the rebel group backed by Rwanda have launched offensives in and around the major eastern city of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), assuming control of the city of one million. People are experiencing an unthinkable crisis that is escalating moment to moment.

  • Published

    29 January 2025
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“The situation is deteriorating by the minute.” People across eastern DRC are facing an unimaginable crisis.

Escalating violence in the region has displaced over 400,000 people since the start of the yearThe already devastating conflict is intensifying at a catastrophic rate, and people in the province of North Kivu, DRC are facing an extreme humanitarian crisis.

At Peace Direct, we have worked with partners in eastern DRC for nearly twenty years. The rapid escalation in violence is alarming. We are deeply concerned for the safety of our partners, colleagues and friends across the region, particularly in and around Goma. As the situation unfolds, we are working with them to support in any and every way we can. Since the start of the year, we have supported partners with emergency humanitarian grants, helping them to access basic supplies and seek safe shelter.

Every donation we receive allows us to reach more people living through conflict.

Help us go further, your donation will help people facing conflict.

What is happening in Goma?

Two weeks ago, we shared an emergency update on the violent clashes across eastern DRC. The number of people displaced has since quadrupled. Since then, violence has rapidly intensified. M23 have launched offensives in and around the major eastern city of Goma, home to over one million people. The UN, as well as governments of the EU, UK, US have all called on Rwanda to withdraw its support, and for Rwanda and the DRC to de-escalate.

The lack of media and political attention on the conflict has meant warring parties have been able to act without meaningful scrutiny or consequences. As people are forcibly displaced, many for the second or third time, a severe lack of water, food, electricity, internet and medical supplies is intensifying the already critical crisis they face.

Goma has been without electricity and running water for days now. One of our partners in the DRC shares that supplies are rapidly dwindling; “we have enough [supplies] to last 2 to 3 weeks. The problem is the lack of electricity and water.” Rwandan-backed M23 have cut off all access to Goma meaning humanitarian assistance is severely limited, compounding the crisis.

Take Action:

  • LEARN: One of our local peacebuilding experts in the DRC shares his thoughts on how crucial supporting local organisations is when countering armed violence.
    LEARN MORE
  • SHARE: Amplify the voices of people in the DRC by sharing their words on calls on the international community.
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  • ACT: Support peacebuilders in the DRC by donating today to support local peacebuilders.
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Our partners in the region are currently focused on protecting themselves and their loved ones. In Goma and across North Kivu, people are living through an immense crisis. Through this, there is little time for rest for local peacebuilders in Goma right now. One of our partners shared how he is feeling:

“I’m putting the children to bed first; they’re all gripped by fear… I think I’ll rest after they’ve all slept.”

As the situation develops, our partners know that humanitarian assistance alone will not be enough to bring peace to the region. They want to see an end to the conflict, as well as justice and accountability for the perpetrators. And to end the violence and help bring governments of the DRC and Rwanda back to the negotiating table, they point to meaningful international engagement and solidarity.

“Time is of the essence. Each day without action amplifies civilian suffering and weakens regional peace prospects.”

Another of our peacebuilding partners in the DRC, made this urgent appeal to the international community.

Support peace across the DRC and around the world today.

Your donation will help people facing conflict.

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