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Country analysis

Congo


Despite postconflict stability in Pool since a 2017 ceasefire, Congo remains highly vulnerable to climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and the impacts of regional insecurity.

In early 2025, more than 68,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Central African Republic, and Rwanda were hosted mainly in Likouala and Plateaux departments. Escalating violence in neighbouring countries, particularly the DRC, has triggered new displacement, with recent arrivals reported in northern and central areas. There are also reports of people remaining internally displaced, mostly in areas formerly affected by conflict.

Widespread flooding in late 2023 and early 2024 affected 1.8 million people, damaging 64,000 homes and submerging farmland and health infrastructure. Food insecurity affects one in three people, and nearly 20% of children under five suffer from malnutrition. Limited access to WASH and basic services aggravates needs, particularly in rural and flood-affected zones.

(UNICEF 12/04/2024, FAO 04/12/2024, USAID 02/10/2024, WFP 14/04/2025, IFRC 13/03/2025)

Despite postconflict stability in Pool since a 2017 ceasefire, Congo remains highly vulnerable to climate shocks, disease outbreaks, and the impacts of regional insecurity.

In early 2025, more than 68,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Central African Republic, and Rwanda were hosted mainly in Likouala and Plateaux departments. Escalating violence in neighbouring countries, particularly the DRC, has triggered new displacement, with recent arrivals reported in northern and central areas. There are also reports of people remaining internally displaced, mostly in areas formerly affected by conflict.

Widespread flooding in late 2023 and early 2024 affected 1.8 million people, damaging 64,000 homes and submerging farmland and health infrastructure. Food insecurity affects one in three people, and nearly 20% of children under five suffer from malnutrition. Limited access to WASH and basic services aggravates needs, particularly in rural and flood-affected zones.

(UNICEF 12/04/2024, FAO 04/12/2024, USAID 02/10/2024, WFP 14/04/2025, IFRC 13/03/2025)

Latest updates on country situation

16 January 2024

In 2024, the Republic of Congo is facing flood events resulting from the overflowing of the Congo River, affecting 9 of its 12 departments. As at 12 January, more than 336,000 people were in need of humanitarian assistance, with the floods affecting 120 schools, 34 health centres, and over 64,000 houses. With about 346,000 hectares of land underwater, risks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases increase, a situation aggravated by restricted access to health services. The Government reports that more than 2,290 hectares of farmland are inundated, increasing the risk of food insecurity in the affected areas. (WHO 12/01/2024, IFRC 16/01/2024, Journal de Brazza 16/01/2024)

Analysis products
on Congo

Republic of Congo: flooding on 9 out of 12 departments

22 January 2024

Republic of Congo: flooding on 9 out of 12 departments

DOCUMENT / PDF / 1 MB

This briefing note provides an overview of torrential rains in the Republic of Congo that have resulted in the rise of the Ubangi River, the largest right-bank tributary of the Congo River, flooding the Congo River Basin.

DRC: IDPs and refugees to Congo-Brazzaville

14 February 2019

DRC: IDPs and refugees to Congo-Brazzaville

DOCUMENT / PDF / 622 KB

Violent clashes involving the Banunu and Batende communities in Yumbi, Mai-Ndombe province, DRC between 16 and 18 December 2018 caused at least 535 fatalities, injured some 150, and displaced approximately 30,000 people. Both the IDPs in DRC and the refugees in Congo-B lack adequate shelter and have lost their livelihoods. 

Mixed migration
Republic of Congo: Conflict in Pool department

06 June 2017

Republic of Congo: Conflict in Pool department

DOCUMENT / PDF / 475 KB

Since late September, several armed clashes between government forces and militia Nsilulu, also known as Ninja, have occurred in Pool Department. According to the government, more than 60 fatal attacks have been carried out. According to the latest census in 2007, more than 126,000 people are living in these areas and have been affected by the conflict. At least 23,000 people have been displaced since March 2016. 

Conflict and violence
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