DRC

15 July 2025

A cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has intensified, with nearly 33,000 cases and over 700 deaths reported by July since January 2025. The northeastern province of Tshopo is the most affected, while Kinshasa’s health zones are experiencing weekly surges linked to poor hygiene and recent floods. (RFI 11/07/2025, DW 10/07/2025, WHO 17/06/2025)

15 July 2025

Armed violence continues to escalate in eastern DRC, driving displacement and worsening humanitarian access. In Ituri, the Allied Democratic Forces – a non-state armed group – killed at least 66 civilians in Irumu territory between 9–12 July. This comes after a surge of attacks in June, which caused over 9,000 people to flee their homes in Djugu. In South Kivu, clashes between the March 23 Movement and Congolese army forces, supported by allied fighters, opened a new front of hostilities near the town of Uvira, displacing 40,000 people in the surrounding Uvira territory. In North Kivu province, civilians face growing protection risks, including arbitrary arrests by state forces, forced recruitment by non-state armed groups, and having to carry supplies such as food and ammunition for these groups. These abuses are particularly common in the territories of Lubero, Masisi, and Walikale. Armed group activities and insecurity continue to restrict humanitarian access and increase humanitarian needs.(OCHA 15/07/2025, DW 11/07/2025, RFI 15/07/2025)

17 June 2025

On 14 June 2025, exceptional rainfall caused severe flooding in Kinshasa, killing at least 30 people and injuring 44 by 16 June. The floods displaced over 36,000 people and affected around 70,000. In Matete commune alone, more than 500 homes were inundated. The most urgent needs of those affected include food, NFIs, and emergency shelter. (ECHO 16/06/2025, RFI 15/06/2025, Radio Okapi 16/06/2025)

09 June 2025

Health conditions have deteriorated across the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2025. Fighting since early January has damaged health infrastructure and displaced thousands, straining access to essential services. Over 1.15 million people have been displaced in Nord and Sud Kivu provinces, where conflict persists. Displacements stress the capacity of host communities and health infrastructure. In April, severe floods in Kinshasa affected 13 of the capital’s 24 municipalities, damaging over 9,000 homes and displacing over 7,000 people. As a result, stagnant water, contaminated latrines, and damaged water infrastructure have heightened the risk of cholera, malaria, and typhoid, particularly in overcrowded shelters. By May, over 18,000 cholera cases and 364 related deaths had been reported nationwide. The situation is expected to worsen as temperatures rise between June–August, coupled with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. (UNICEF 04/06/2025, UNHCR 30/05/2025, WVI 23/05/2025, NRC 02/04/2025)

27 May 2025

Acute food insecurity is worsening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By May 2025, nearly 28 million people were facing acute food insecurity – i.e. Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or worse conditions, including 3.9 million in Emergency (IPC Phase 4) levels. Conflict, mass displacement, and funding cuts are driving the crisis, particularly in Ituri, North and South Kivu, and Tanganyika provinces. (WFP 23/05/2025, AAH 29/04/2025, UN 27/03/2025)

28 April 2025

Clashes between the March 23 Movement and the Congolese army in North and South Kivu continue to displace civilians. In April 2025, more than 25,000 people fled to Kanyabayonga, North Kivu, mainly fleeing renewed violence in Walikale and Lubero territories. Overcrowding and limited assistance are heightening protection risks and health needs in hosting areas. (OCHA 25/04/2025, REACH 28/04/2025, NRC 02/04/2025)

10 February 2025

Despite the unilateral ceasefire that the March 23 Movement (M23) declared on 4 February 2025 and continued diplomatic efforts, violence and displacement persist in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Over 3,000 have died, with nearly as many injured by 11 February. Reports of sexual violence are increasing, particularly in displacement sites, while healthcare facilities are overwhelmed with injured patients. Despite a gradual resumption of economic activity, the security situation remains volatile in Goma (North Kivu). Schools were supposed to reopen on 10 February, but low attendance reflects persistent safety concerns. There are reports of M23 fighters still looting and seizing property, affecting both public facilities and private assets. Violent confrontations in South Kivu are also causing thousands to flee towards Bukavu. In North Kivu, an NGO suspended food assistance after three staff members were killed. Health services continue to be severely stressed, with medicine shortages and escalating risks of cholera, malaria, and other contagious diseases from disrupted water supplies.
(RFI 09/02/2025, France 24 09/02/2025, OCHA 11/02/2025)