The European Commission has announced €60 million in new humanitarian support for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for 2025 in response to recent developments in the eastern region, particularly around Goma. This funding addresses the urgent needs of displaced populations affected by ongoing conflicts and epidemics.
The assistance will cover shelter, clean water systems, food rations or cash transfers, and educational support for vulnerable children.
The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is severe, with 800,000 internally displaced people already around Goma. Many camps that housed over 300,000 individuals are now empty due to the escalating violence.
Since October 2024, more than 480,000 people have been newly displaced in North Kivu, alongside 178,000 in South Kivu. This adds to the 6.4 million people already displaced across the country.
“At these particularly challenging times, the EU remains committed to supporting the most vulnerable in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Even though 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. As we are witnessing heavy ongoing fighting, it is paramount to ensure the respect of international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, particularly in areas close to the frontlines and including in the camps for internally displaced people, as well as health workers, medical facilities, and humanitarian workers and their premises. Only dialogue and negotiations can resolve this conflict,” Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said.
Since the beginning of 2023, the EU’s humanitarian assistance to the DRC, including ongoing humanitarian aid flights, has exceeded €272 million.
Protecting civilians, especially regarding gender-based violence, remains a priority for EU-funded actions, ensuring a comprehensive response that includes health, mental health, and socio-economic support.
