Hundreds of thousands of people flee from renewed fighting in North Kivu, straining humanitarian efforts.

Renewed fighting around the North Kivu capital of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has led to a catastrophic escalation of the humanitarian crisis displacing hundreds of thousands of people — many of whom had already endured multiple displacements before — to flee once again in search of safety. 

As violence intensifies, families have sought shelters in schools and churches in and around Goma city, where they face inadequate shelter and the lack of essential basic social services including humanitarian aid.

“Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave behind whatever little they had managed to salvage on displacement sites,” said Manenji Mangundu, Country Director of Oxfam in DRC. 

“Many are seeking shelter in churches, schools, and other makeshift shelters in Goma which are far from safe or adequate. The most basic needs for survival — food, clean water, medical care, blankets and protection — are in short supply, and humanitarian aid is yet to reach them.”  added Manenji.

Artillery shelling in areas already housing displaced families has caused panic among them, nearly emptying one of the displacements sites around Goma that were already home to more than 600,000 people. Another 178,000 people escaped the recent clashes outside Goma.

Hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children have fled into the urban center of Goma, where local infrastructure cannot meet their needs.

The displaced population in Goma now face dire conditions that threaten their health, safety, and well-being.  Without proper shelter and access to critical resources, the risk of disease outbreaks including the Mpox virus which has already claimed countless lives in the country further compounds to their trauma. 

"Every day, the situation is getting worse. We are seeing firsthand the devastating impact that this conflict is having on vulnerable communities. Some of these families have been displaced for the seventh time, with no immediate means of support. This situation is unsustainable,” said Manenji.

The worsening humanitarian crisis comes as newly sworn in US president Trump announced a 90- day suspension of foreign development assistance. This policy could have significant implications for a country like DRC which is grappling with escalating hunger and repetitive displacements. 

Oxfam is working to provide people with clean water, non-food items but the scale of their needs is overwhelming and the worsening insecurity is making it difficult to reach the affected families. Oxfam is calling for immediate international support to ensure that these vulnerable families are not left behind.