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ACI Africa, Mar 8, 2025 / 08:00 am
The ongoing violent conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which keeps escalating, risks spreading to the entire nation and even becoming regional if there is no immediate intervention, Caritas Internationalis has warned.
In a statement that the development arm of the Catholic Church delivered at the 58th regular session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the organization highlighted the widespread effects of the conflict that has claimed at least 7,000 lives.
“We express our deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC, which risks spreading to the entire country and region if no action is taken,” Caritas Internationalis said at the UNHRC session that started on Feb. 24 and is set to end April 4.
“The looting of humanitarian supplies, the closure of the airports in Goma and Bukavu, and insecurity on major roads have made access to humanitarian aid extremely difficult,” the organization’s representatives said.
The conflict in the DRC has escalated significantly in recent months, with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group making substantial territorial gains.
On Jan. 27, the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels announced that its forces had taken over the capital of the Eastern Province of the DRC, Goma, according to a Reuters report. The news agency also reported that on Feb. 16, M23 rebels captured the second-largest city of eastern DRC, Bukavu.
In seizing Bukavu, a key mining city in South Kivu province, learning institutions and businesses have been disrupted with a mass exodus of residents and Congolese soldiers.
Some of the latest reports about the protracted crisis in the mineral-rich eastern part of the DRC have indicated that besides the death of thousands, the conflict has displaced about 600,000 people.
On Feb. 28, M23 rebels abducted at least 130 patients from two hospitals in Goma, suspecting them of being Congolese soldiers or members of the pro-government Wazalendo militia.
On March 4, Reuters reported that a blast targeted a convoy of rebel leaders in Bukavu, killing 17 people. The city has been under M23 control since February, with both the government and rebels blaming each other for the attack.
In the two-page statement that the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and Act Alliance also signed, Caritas Internationalis also said the widespread cuts in international aid have resulted in a chronic lack of resources, leaving access to food, health care, and shelter severely inadequate.
The organization further reported that sexual violence has significantly increased in DRC’s regions that are experiencing violence, while medical facilities lack sufficient human, material, and financial resources to provide emergency response to survivors.
Furthermore, Caritas Internationalis said that “the absence of antiretroviral stocks and medical support exposes survivors to increased long-term risks.”
On the effects of the conflict on learning institutions, the organization said that “young people and children are at risk of forced recruitment into armed groups and are deprived of education due to prolonged school closures. This increases their vulnerability to exploitation and violence.”
Despite these challenges, Caritas Internationalis emphasized that local actors, including local churches, remain steadfast in providing essential support to affected populations and advocating for the restoration of peace.
In its statement, it called for immediate, sustainable, and unrestricted humanitarian access via secure corridors, along with the allocation of material and financial resources commensurate with the needs of affected populations.
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The group also underlined the need to protect internally displaced persons, ensuring voluntary and secure return in accordance with the Kampala Convention and relevant guiding principles.
In addition, it called for “prevention of exploitation and forced recruitment of young people and children and guaranteeing access to education by reopening schools in a safe environment.”
“Ceasing hostilities and pursuing inclusive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the conflict” is also among the recommendations of Caritas Internationalis to help end the conflict in the central African nation.
This story was first published by ACI Africa, CNA’s news partner in Africa, and has been adapted by CNA.
Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a zeal and interest for Catholic communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media, and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. He has vast experience in the media production industry. He currently works as a journalist for ACI Africa.
