ACT Alliance is issuing a statement on the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
We are witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis unfolding across Africa, with immense suffering resulting from ongoing conflicts and widespread poverty. In Eastern DRC, due to the protracted conflict, lives are lost daily, communities are devastated, and countless families are uprooted or displaced from their homes. UNHCR reported that before the latest escalation, more than 21 million people across the DRC already required humanitarian aid – one of the highest figures globally, with 6.7 million people displaced including 4.6 million in South and North Kivu.
ACT Alliance members stand together and call for an immediate and urgent global humanitarian response. From early January 2025 to 5th February 2025, over 2,900 people were killed due to fighting between the DRC Armed Forces FARDC (Forces Armées de la République démocratique du Congo) and the M23 rebel group, and a further 2,880 were injured and 500,000 people displaced. The number of people in urgent need is increasing as the fighting continues. Neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi continue to receive and host refugees and asylum seekers from the DRC.
We are deeply concerned about the major humanitarian crisis in DRC. Hospitals are overwhelmed and bodies are lying in the streets, and there is a shortage of food and water. Around Goma, the destruction and dismantling of sites where Internally Displaced People (IDPs) lived further exacerbates the vulnerability of the displaced people.
We denounce all acts of violence and condemn the brutal killing of innocent civilians including humanitarian aid workers. We raise our voices with concern at the rise of sexual and gender-based violence and the forced recruitment of minors into the armed forces. These atrocities are a gross violation of human rights and in contravention of international humanitarian law.
The conflict in DRC is currently a forgotten conflict, with limited global support or solidarity, we call on the world to see, hear, and respond to the pain and suffering being experienced.ACT Statement on DRC
The closure of Goma Airport has had a severe impact on humanitarian operations and limited the opportunities of people who wish to flee for their safety. Due to the limited access to basic needs and services, food prices are also rapidly rising. To effectively respond to the scale of the emergency, we call for greater assistance to the affected people. ACT Alliance, with our members, are responding through a regional appeal (DRC, Uganda and Tanzania), including for food and nutrition, security, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, health, protection, psychosocial support, unconditional cash grants and advocacy for peace and justice in DRC. However, our response in DRC is constrained due to lack of access to the affected people and communities. The lack of institutional funding remains another major constraint.
The conflict in DRC is currently a forgotten conflict, with limited global support or solidarity, we call on the world to see, hear, and respond to the pain and suffering being experienced.
Our Call to Action
- For an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. We strongly condemn all attacks and killing and displacement of civilians by all parties to the conflict.
- Call for an inclusive peace process. The world must stand together against impunity and in solidarity with the people of DRC. All parties involved must engage in meaningful peace dialogue and resolution, ensuring accountability for those responsible for war crimes, crimes against humanity,and atrocities. Following A3 statements to the UN Security Council, the African Union Summit’s recent reaffirmation of Africa-led and owned solutions, and its support for the merging of the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes pursuant to the recent SADC and EAC Summit, and calls from the AU Peace and Security Council, robust and coordinated diplomatic action needs to be stepped up between these groups and processes if a meaningful ceasefire is to implemented, and an inclusive and sustainable peace achieved.
- For international and regional donors to scale up funding for locally led humanitarian responses. Flexible funding is paramount in building resilience and restoring hope and dignity for the people affected by the conflict.
- For the opening and protection of safe humanitarian access, including the reopening of Goma Airport, and other key routes to facilitate humanitarian action.
- For all parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians and the facilitation of humanitarian access. We call for the Africa Commission to expedite deployment of its fact-finding mission, coordinating with regional efforts to tackle impunity and increase accountability, including by SADC and the EAC. We call for the ICC Prosecutor to step up efforts to investigate Rome Statute crimes.
- For an end to sexual and gender-based violence, and to impunity. To strengthen prevention, protection, and response mechanisms, ensuring accountability for perpetrators and comprehensive support for survivors.
