UNICEF: UNICEF has urged the international community not to remain indifferent to the worsening situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting between government forces and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group continues to endanger millions.
According to Anadolu Agency, spokesperson James Elder emphasized that the crisis will deepen unless addressed through political engagement and financial support. Elder, who recently spent one week in Goma, described the region as facing a near ‘disaster’ due to the Mpox virus outbreak combined with violence.
Elder stated that UNICEF and partners were rushing to support the region to prevent the spread of the virus by building up health systems and distributing vaccines to very remote areas. However, the situation worsened in late January when conflict broke out, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. Children are particularly affected, returning to find their homes burned and crops destroyed.
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lso highlighted the impact of abrupt and severe cuts to humanitarian aid funding for Congo, stating that despite working with committed health professionals and volunteers, UNICEF lacks the supplies needed to meet the scale of the crisis. Elder noted that while Goma is currently experiencing a relatively calmer period, the broader region remains unsafe with no police and empty prisons.
Elder warned of the dire conditions faced by civilians, especially children, in the region, including high levels of sexual violence. He expressed concerns that the crisis is systemic and can only be resolved through dialogue and international funding. He emphasized that millions of children are at risk if fighting continues and funding disappears.
The conflict between M23 and government forces has escalated since early this year, with the rebel group capturing several strategic areas. This has resulted in nearly 1 million people being displaced and more than 7,000 lives lost in 2024. The DRC and the UN accuse Rwanda of suppo
rting M23, an allegation denied by the Rwandan government. The rebel group, formed following a 2009 peace agreement, has contributed to growing insecurity in the region.
Elder stressed the importance of strengthening health infrastructure and providing vaccine and food assistance to prevent the spread of diseases like Ebola and Mpox and to ensure the future well-being of the region’s young population. He highlighted the interconnectedness of the world and the potential global impact of the crisis if it is not addressed at both political and financial levels.