Humanitarian situation and needs
Key messages
• The chronic and complex humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) persists. At least 40 armed groups continue to commit human rights abuses in the eastern provinces of the DRC;
• Over 2.7 million people are displaced within the DRC. The end of M23's insurgency has led to some disarmament and reintegration of members of armed groups, and an improvement of the security situation in the area previously controlled by the armed group. However, it has not yet translated into a significant flow of returnees. The remaining armed groups continue to cause displacements in most areas of eastern DRC;
• Abuses of power and violence, including looting, rape, abductions, and forced recruitment of children by armed groups and the Congolese army continue to be a major concern;
• Lack of basic services and infrastructure in eastern DRC is exacerbated by the conflicts causing enormous humanitarian needs. An estimated 6.4 million people are at crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. 2.5 million children under the age of 5 are acutely malnourished, cholera and measles outbreaks are repeatedly reported and malaria is endemic;
• ECHO's aid efforts focus on the consequences of population displacements, on providing protection and assistance in conflict affected areas, and on addressing acute needs related to epidemics, malnutrition beyond emergency levels and natural disasters.