International concern over the killing of dozens and the displacement of thousands as a result of the escalation of violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Secretary-General – in a statement attributed to his deputy spokesman – called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities, in line with Security Council resolution 2773 (2025). He stressed that this escalation threatens to undermine efforts to reach a sustainable solution to the crisis, and increases the risk of the outbreak of a broader regional war.

The Secretary-General urged the parties to adhere to their commitments under the Washington Agreements for Peace and Prosperity, signed on 4 December, and to fully respect the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement, signed on 15 November.

The Secretary-General indicated that the United Nations stands ready to work with partners to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need. He reiterated his readiness to continue to support ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring peace to eastern DRC and the region, in line with the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region.

The situation in South Kivu has deteriorated

Following the killing of more than 70 civilians, the displacement of more than 200,000 people, and the interruption of food aid for thousands more, the United Nations warned of the worsening humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and its spread across the border. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the situation in South Kivu province has deteriorated sharply since 2 December, as a result of intense fighting in multiple areas.

News reports said that members of the armed March 23 Movement entered the main city of Uvira on Wednesday, and residents described a feeling of fear and uncertainty. Radio Okapi, affiliated with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), reported that more than 74 civilians had been killed and at least 83 others injured in clashes between Congolese forces and armed groups since the beginning of December. The radio station reported that thousands more fled across the border into Burundi and Rwanda.

Most people displaced within South Kivu are taking shelter in overcrowded sites, where they face increased risks to their safety, poor sanitation, and an increased risk of disease outbreaks. Displaced women and girls face increased risks of gender-based violence in overcrowded shelters.

Suspension of food aid

The impact of insecurity on humanitarian assistance programmes, including food aid and health care.

The World Food Program announced the suspension of its operations across South Kivu, cutting off life-saving food support to 25,000 people, according to UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq, who told reporters in New York: “Host families – who are already suffering from emergency levels of food insecurity – are sharing what food they have left with the displaced.”

At least 32 schools in Uvira, supported by the World Food Organization, have closed to accommodate displaced families, leaving more than 12,000 children without their only daily hot meal. Humanitarian relief organizations have warned that food stocks in the region could run out within weeks if access to supplies and funding are not resumed.

Growing cross-border concerns

“The humanitarian impact of the crisis is now beyond borders,” said Mr. Farhan Haq, noting that nearly 25,000 people crossed the border into Burundi between 5 and 8 December, with reports of additional numbers arriving in Rwanda.

In both countries, humanitarian partners and national authorities are working to ramp up emergency assistance, which includes hot meals, clean water and health services.

This escalation comes despite diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. Last week, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement with US support, which the United Nations welcomed as a “critical step” towards restoring confidence.

Financing challenges deepen the crisis

Lack of funding is exacerbating the emergency. Mr. Haq warned that the DRC’s humanitarian response plan is only 22% funded, leaving a gap of nearly $2 billion. In Burundi, less than US$33 million has been mobilized, while the need to support new arrivals is approximately US$77 million.

Farhan Haq called on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, adhere to international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, rapid and unhindered access to humanitarian aid.