The European Commission has dedicated €60 million for humanitarian aid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for 2025, focusing on emergency support for displaced populations around Goma. This funding follows a recent escalation of conflict and aims to meet urgent needs such as shelter, clean water, food, and education for vulnerable children. The EU has provided over €272 million in humanitarian assistance since 2023, prioritizing the protection of civilians and addressing issues related to gender-based violence.
The European Commission has announced a new humanitarian support package for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, allocating an initial €60 million for the year 2025. This funding is intended to enhance emergency assistance, particularly for newly displaced individuals in and around Goma, following recent escalations in conflict in the eastern part of the country. The support will address the urgent needs of those displaced and affected by ongoing crises.
This humanitarian funding will provide critical assistance, which includes: shelter and camp management, access to clean water systems and latrines, provision of basic food rations or cash transfers, and educational support for the most vulnerable children impacted by conflict. The EU continues to play a significant role as a major donor for humanitarian efforts in the DRC, with total assistance amounting to over €272 million since 2023, alongside EU Humanitarian Aid Flights facilitating the delivery of essential personnel and supplies.
The European Union prioritizes the protection of civilians in its humanitarian initiatives. Special attention is given to addressing gender-based violence through preventive measures and a comprehensive response that integrates health, mental health and psychosocial support, and socio-economic initiatives. These measures form a critical part of addressing the humanitarian needs within the DRC.
Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality, Hadja Lahbib, stated, “At these particularly challenging times, the EU remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite the fact that humanitarian access remains a challenge for our partners due to the severity of the fighting, we will ensure that humanitarian funding will be disbursed without delay and aid will continue to be provided to those who need it the most.”
Background information highlights that humanitarian needs in the DRC are exceptionally high due to ongoing conflicts, poverty, malnutrition, and recurrent disease outbreaks. The EU, along with its Member States, has consistently provided significant humanitarian funding amid ongoing crises. Prior to the recent conflict developments, approximately 800,000 internally displaced individuals were already congregated around Goma, with many camps now emptied due to urgent evacuations from conflict areas.
Humanitarian access remains severely restricted in areas experiencing combat. Reports by humanitarian partners indicate that over 480,000 individuals have been newly displaced in North Kivu since October 2024, adding to the distressing situation of existing 6.4 million displaced across the country, with 2.9 million new displacements recorded in 2024 alone.
The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is dire, exacerbated by ongoing conflicts, pervasive poverty, malnutrition, and frequent outbreaks of diseases. The EU has been a primary donor throughout the crisis, demonstrating a long-term commitment to alleviating human suffering in the region. Even before the recent escalation of conflict, a significant number of people were already displaced, showcasing the urgency of humanitarian needs in this troubled country.
In summation, the European Union is taking proactive steps to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by allocating €60 million for immediate assistance. The focus is on providing essential services and support to vulnerable displaced populations, reinforced by longstanding commitments to protecting civilians and addressing gender-based violence. This comprehensive humanitarian response reflects a robust commitment by the EU to uphold human dignity amidst adversity.
Original Source: civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu
