EU Allocates €60 Million Humanitarian Aid to Support DRC in 2025
The European Commission has announced €60 million in humanitarian aid for the DRC in 2025, targeting displaced populations and others affected by conflict and epidemics. Assistance will include shelter, clean water, food support, and educational initiatives. The total EU humanitarian aid to the DRC now exceeds €272 million this year, focusing on civilian protection amid ongoing violence.
The European Commission has declared an initial allocation of €60 million in humanitarian aid to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2025. This funding aims to address urgent needs stemming from recent conflicts in eastern DRC, especially for individuals recently displaced in and around Goma. The assistance package will focus on essentials for displaced populations and vulnerable communities affected by disturbances and epidemics.
The assistance provided will encompass various critical needs, including:
– Shelter construction and camp management
– Installation of clean water systems and latrines
– Provision of basic food rations or cash transfers
– Delivery of education in emergencies for children affected by conflict.
With this new financial commitment, the EU’s total humanitarian aid to the DRC has surpassed €272 million since January 2023. Furthermore, the EU continues to facilitate humanitarian flights, transporting personnel and supplies across the eastern regions of the DRC. The safety and protection of civilians remain a central focus for EU-funded initiatives.
Hadja Lahbib, the Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management, and Equality, emphasized the urgency of supporting vulnerable populations amid ongoing violence. She stated, “Despite the fact that humanitarian access remains a challenge for our partners due to the severity of the fighting, we will ensure that humanitarian funding will be disbursed without delay.” The acknowledgment of international humanitarian law was highlighted, along with the need for dialogues to resolve ongoing conflicts.
The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is exacerbated by enduring conflict, poverty, malnutrition, and the recurrent outbreak of diseases. The EU and its member states have actively provided humanitarian support since the onset of the crisis. Prior to the recent conflict escalation, around 800,000 internally displaced individuals resided in areas near Goma, with many camps emptied as inhabitants fled the violence.
According to humanitarian partners, North Kivu experienced over 480,000 new displacements since October 2024, alongside 178,000 in South Kivu. This contributes to a staggering total of 6.4 million displaced people nationwide, which includes 2.9 million new displacements in 2024 alone. Access to those most in need continues to be severely hindered by ongoing conflicts.
The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is dire, compounded by continuous conflict, widespread poverty, malnutrition, and frequent disease outbreaks. The EU has been a prominent donor, providing extensive humanitarian assistance since the crisis began, addressing the urgent needs of increasingly vulnerable populations. Recent escalations have resulted in a notable rise in displaced persons, necessitating immediate support to those affected, particularly in the eastern regions around Goma, where instability is rampant.
In summary, the European Commission’s recent announcement of €60 million in humanitarian aid underscores its commitment to addressing the severe humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By focusing on urgent needs such as shelter, food security, and education, the EU aims to alleviate the suffering of displaced populations. With the total humanitarian aid exceeding €272 million in 2023, the EU continues to prioritize the protection of civilians and address the complex challenges posed by ongoing conflicts in the region.
Original Source: civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu
