For almost three decades, the DRC has been embroiled in a complicated conflict. Over 6 million people have been killed and 7 million displaced. On Friday, 3 May 2024, camps for displaced people in Goma, North Kivu province were targeted in twin bomb attacks, killing 35 people and injuring many more. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, and for women in particular, no place is safe.
The Rwandan supported M23 rebel group was blamed for the recent attack by Congolese authorities. The group denied involvement.
The country has faced an escalating humanitarian crisis for years. Food, water and shelter and urgently needed. Essential services, including healthcare, sanitation, and education, are critically underfunded, exacerbating the suffering of those already grappling with the consequences of displacement and violence. Women continue to be hardest hit, with already high levels of gender-based and sexual violence further on the rise.
Julienne Lusenge, Director of the Congolese Women's Fund and Nobel Women’s Initiative Board Member, highlights:
“The escalating conflict in the DRC has been overlooked for too long. The situation is rarely mentioned in international media, nor does it make it onto the agendas of international policy-makers. The little humanitarian funding the DRC received has dwindled in favor of headlining conflicts. This must change.”
Tania Principe, Interim Executive Director of Nobel Women’s Initiative, urges:
“Our humanity should never be subject to headlines. As the international community we have a duty to respond wherever support is needed. In the DRC, humanitarian relief and funding is urgently needed - it has been for decades.”
The international community has a responsibility to act.
The growing crisis demands immediate, robust and ongoing support from the international community. In particular:
- We urgently appeal to humanitarian relief organizations and like-minded donors for increased aid and humanitarian support, with a special focus on the vulnerable situations faced by women and children.
- We urge the conflicting parties to facilitate the movement of civilians, and grant access to food production sites to ensure the uninterrupted and safe supply of food to the city of Goma.
- The UN and AU should intensify their efforts in supporting and facilitating peace initiatives in the DRC. A sustainable peace process which meaningfully includes women and young women is crucial for addressing the root causes of the conflict and providing a path toward lasting peace and stability.
- International organizations including the UN, the Red Cross and others should take immediate and decisive measures to protect civilians in the DRC.
- External governments, including Rwanda and Uganda, must immediately cease direct and indirect involvement in the DRC, including halting financial support and sale of weapons to militant groups.
- The EU and UN must continue to insist on Rwanda's withdrawal from the ongoing conflict in the DRC and impose necessary sanctions should Rwanda fail to comply.
- All armed groups present in the DRC, including both national and foreign groups, should be urgently demilitarized. Arms should not be sold by any party to the militant groups in the DRC.
- Individuals can support women in the DRC by donating to the Congolese Women’s Fund.
The image used in this statement was taken by Kaley Grace, a photographer from the Democratic Republic of Congo.