Potential Missed Chance: Congo Truce Expected to Expire Soon, Aid Organizations Warn of Missed Aid Opportunities

A two-week ceasefire in eastern Congo, brokered by the U.S., has led to a significant decrease in fighting. Despite this, aid workers and local organizations report that little assistance has reached the millions of people caught in a severe humanitarian crisis in the region. The ceasefire was aimed at halting clashes between Congolese forces and rebels allegedly supported by Rwanda in the resource-rich area, notably North Kivu province, where numerous individuals have been displaced.

Abdoulaye Barry, the head of the sub-office of the U.N. refugee agency in the region, mentioned that even during the ceasefire, violence persisted in some areas near Goma. Limited resources have hindered aid distribution, leaving displaced individuals in accessible regions without necessary support. In the Bulengo displaced persons camp, residents initially welcomed news of the truce but soon became disheartened by the absence of humanitarian aid, as highlighted by Faustin Mahoro, a refugee in charge of the camp.

Eastern Congo has long been plagued by over 120 armed groups vying for control of the area’s valuable resources, with the M23 Movement being one of the most active. The violence has spilled over to other parts of the country, displacing over 7 million people, especially in the east. The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project recorded 416 attacks on civilians this year, resulting in 1,467 deaths, with a significant number occurring in North Kivu province.

While the humanitarian ceasefire has allowed organizations like Doctors Without Borders to operate more safely in affected communities, challenges persist. The U.N. children’s agency reported a sharp increase in violations against children in eastern Congo in the first few months of the year. Despite a decrease in frontline fighting, clashes between M23 rebels and local fighters were reported in Nyange and Bibwa villages, emphasizing the urgency for lasting peace solutions beyond temporary truces.