The displacement crisis in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is rapidly worsening, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities in a region already beset by severe and persistent needs. Our research highlights the urgent need for food assistance, the rising risk of gender-based violence (GBV) among internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the critical need for long-term solutions to support livelihoods and resilience.  

• The rapid increase in the number of displaced persons in Goma is significantly worsening the humanitarian outlook in North Kivu. Beyond the overarching need to restore security and stability in the DRC, a majority of affected people in North Kivu report a need for food assistance, while also citing  livelihoods or employment support as a key priority. (source – REACH, 2023 EFSA/MSNA analysis, as reported in the May 2024 advocacy brief). 

• Local response actors in North Kivu also raise the alarm on the risk of a further increase in cases of gender-based violence among internally displaced people. (source – REACH, Nov. 2023 study of GBV response service provider, MSF May 2023 article). 

• At a time when the humanitarian situation shows no sign of significant improvement, a potential decrease in funding for the response in DRC may lead to further erosion of trust between communities and response actors. (source – REACH, May 2024 advocacy brief).