Project Lighthouse - Illuminating Global Conflicts

Overview of the Crisis

The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo—especially North and South Kivu—has experienced a major escalation since late 2021, led by the M23 rebel group's capture of Goma and other strategic towns. The resurgence of violence has displaced over 4 million civilians, creating one of the world's most severe and underreported humanitarian crises.

The Roots of the Situation

This crisis stems from decades of instability and resource conflicts:

Legacy of Past Wars

The region remains destabilized by the aftermath of the Congo Wars (late 1990s–early 2000s), which left numerous armed groups active.

Resource-Driven Conflict

Armed groups—including M23—exploit mineral-rich territory, controlling resources like coltan, gold, and cobalt.

Ethnic and Regional Politics

UN and international bodies accuse Rwanda of backing M23, which Rwanda denies; tensions remain deeply entwined with ethnic dynamics and transnational influence.

Resurgence of M23

After a decade of dormancy, M23 re-emerged in late 2021, capturing key areas and driving the current crisis around Goma.

Current Humanitarian Impact

Mass Displacement

More than 4 million people displaced, with 700,000–1 million near Goma in overcrowded camps; 540,000 fled in January 2025 alone. Nationwide, approximately 6.7 million IDPs as of November 2024.

Additional waves: over 230,000 displaced since January 2025 in North and South Kivu, while Masisi territory added 100,000+ since 1 January.

Protection & Rights Abuses

Human rights violations are rife: killings, sexual violence, forced recruitment, kidnappings, and attacks on IDP camps by armed actors. Civilians—including women and children—remain at serious risk during displacement and amid rebel advances.

Overwhelmed Health & Humanitarian Systems

Up to 95% of health centers in places like Kirotshe are non‑functional, with cholera outbreaks increasing almost 40% over a week in early 2025. Nearly 30,000 cholera cases and 620 deaths recorded by June 2025, with insecurity hampering response efforts.

WHO warns cholera, malaria, tuberculosis, measles, and mpox outbreaks are worse due to war conditions and disrupted services.

We are facing one of the world's most severe and underreported humanitarian crises, with civilians paying the ultimate price.
— Humanitarian field worker in North Kivu

International Response & Funding

The crisis is branded a 'neglected emergency', under‑funded and overshadowed by other global crises. UNHCR reports $226 million needed for IDP response, with less than 10% received by early 2025.

Accountability mechanisms are stalled, while ceasefires are fragile amid ongoing offensives.

This is a forgotten crisis. The international community must not turn away from the suffering of millions.
— UN humanitarian official

Urgent Priority Needs

Immediate action is required across multiple critical areas:

Protection of Civilians: IDP site security and protection from armed group attacks.
Food, Water & Sanitation: Address malnutrition and disease risk in overcrowded camps.
Emergency Shelter: Accommodation for hundreds of thousands in displacement camps.
Medical Aid & Disease Control: Especially cholera prevention and malnutrition treatment.
Diplomatic Pressure: Reduce violence and support peace accords like UNSC Resolution 2773.

DRC Conflict (Goma)