European Union Unveils €60 Million Humanitarian Aid for DRC in 2025

On January 28, 2025, the European Commission announced €60 million in humanitarian aid for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This funding addresses urgent needs for displaced populations, especially around Goma, while focusing on shelter, clean water, food assistance, and education for vulnerable children. The total EU humanitarian assistance has surpassed €272 million for 2023, with a key emphasis on protecting civilians amidst ongoing conflict.

The European Commission has announced a new humanitarian aid package of €60 million for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for 2025, aimed at providing emergency support to newly displaced populations in Goma and surrounding areas. This funding will address the urgent needs of these individuals and those affected by ongoing conflicts and disease outbreaks. Key areas of assistance will encompass shelter and camp management, clean water systems, basic food rations or cash transfers, and educational provisions for vulnerable children caught in the conflict.

As a leading donor in the DRC, the EU’s total humanitarian assistance since the beginning of 2023 now exceeds €272 million. This additional funding complements the EU Humanitarian Aid Flights, designed to deliver essential personnel and cargo throughout eastern DRC. The EU places great emphasis on protecting civilians and addressing gender-based violence as part of its broader humanitarian response framework.

Commissioner Hadja Lahbib has highlighted the EU’s commitment to aiding the most vulnerable communities in the DRC during these challenging times. Despite significant hurdles in humanitarian access due to ongoing violence, she expressed a strong determination to provide timely support and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law. The emphasis remains on safeguarding civilians, especially those near conflict zones and displaced person camps.

The humanitarian crisis in the DRC remains dire, exacerbated by conflict, poverty, malnutrition, and disease. Before the recent escalation, there were already approximately 800,000 internally displaced individuals around Goma, with many camps now completely abandoned as people flee the fighting. The complex situation reveals the urgent need for increased humanitarian access and support for over 480,000 newly displaced individuals since October 2024, adding to the total of 6.4 million people displaced across the country.

The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is among the most severe globally, shaped by ongoing conflicts, rampant poverty, malnutrition, and frequent disease outbreaks. As a key supporter since the onset of the crisis, the EU and its Member States have been instrumental in providing necessary funding. Before the latest developments, approximately 800,000 individuals were internally displaced around Goma, with camps rapidly emptying due to escalating hostilities. Current estimates suggest that over 480,000 people have been newly displaced in North Kivu alone, accentuating the urgency for humanitarian intervention.

In conclusion, the European Union’s €60 million humanitarian aid package aims to address critical needs amid the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The commitment to protecting civilians and prioritizing assistance for vulnerable populations in conflict-affected areas underscores the EU’s role as a key donor in this humanitarian response. With large numbers of newly displaced individuals, continued support and consistent humanitarian access are imperative for alleviating suffering in the region.

Original Source: civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu