how long has armed conflict been in africa

Violence targeting aid organizations could increase before the vote. This is causing the withdrawal of some troops from the area.

peacekeeping force (MONUSCO), which protesters see as failing to protect civilians from the militia violence. Violence in eastern DRC has also prompted protests against the U.N. Indeed, there are accusations of leaders inciting and supporting conflict to win over constituents. With general elections scheduled for late 2023, political unrest could further escalate fighting. In October, armed groups seized the key towns of Rutshuru and Kiwanja, bringing them closer to the provincial capital of Goma. Attacks on women and children have soared.ĭuring 2022, nearly 465,000 people were displaced in the Ituri province, and in North Kivu, where the armed group M23 launched a new offensive, at least 186,000 people were forced to flee their homes. Photo: Kellie Ryan for the IRC Humanitarian risks in 2023 Regional tensions drive conflictĬonflict in eastern Congo, where more than 100 armed groups operate, is continuing to force people from their homes and strand them without food and essential items. Scarce financial resources and conflict are hampering the ability of aid organizations to reach people in distress. “For several months, there has been a resurgence of attacks by armed groups in eastern DRC, resulting in massive displacement of populations,” says Jocelyne Tsongo, IRC’s women’s protection and empowerment program coordinator. The country is also facing challenging economic conditions and outbreaks of diseases like measles, malaria and Ebola. In March 2022, after nearly 10 years of dormancy, armed groups launched a new offensive forcing families to flee their homes and disrupting humanitarian assistance. Located in Central Africa, Congo has spent decades in the grip of violent conflict, involving a complex array of groups across eastern parts of the country.

With 26.4 million people already in need of humanitarian aid, the crisis is likely to worsen in the coming year. The Democratic Republic of Congo remains in the Watchlist top ten for 2023, as escalating conflict in the east deepens economic challenges and disease outbreaks. 5.6 million people internally displaced.

100+ armed groups operating in eastern Congo.

26.4 million people in need of humanitarian aid.

How long has armed conflict been in africa