DR Congo: Armed group attacks displace nearly 1 million since January

06-15-2023

Jacob Odeh

International Justice and Human Rights Researcher 

Global Human Rights Defence

Violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has led to the displacement of nearly one million people since January, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The number of internally displaced persons has risen to an estimated 6.1 million, marking a 17% increase since October. Armed groups have been responsible for killings and attacks, forcing civilians to flee their homes. In the latest incident, at least 46 people were killed at a displaced persons camp in eastern Ituri province. The attack was carried out by a coalition of militia groups known as Coopérative pour le développement du Congo (CODECO). The IOM strongly condemns the attack, highlighting the dangers faced by displaced individuals daily. The worsening conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with millions suffering from acute food insecurity and other critical needs. Over 26 million people in the DRC require humanitarian assistance. Despite challenges, the IOM and its partners are working to provide emergency relief to the affected population, and they plan to scale up operations for a more effective response to the crisis.

Sources and further reading:

UN News, 'Escalating violence in eastern DR Congo drives one million from their homes – IOM', (20 June 2023) https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/06/1137722.