Stories from Goma · DR Congo

The individual is accused of supporting the M23 armed group, having lived under their protection in Goma last year. The US Treasury stated the leader seeks to destabilize the DRC by supporting the M23. The individual has already obtained the support of 100 parties to run for office. Congolese justice previously sentenced the individual to death in absentia for complicity with the M23, which is supported by Rwanda. The United States has imposed economic sanctions on Congolese national Joseph Cabilla, accusing him of financially supporting the M23 armed group and destabilizing the government. Washington stated Cabilla's actions aimed to destabilize the current power structure.

Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) reported that journalists and media professionals in the Great Lakes region, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, face serious accusations regarding state security.

Activists claim peaceful demonstrations regarding oil extraction in Virunga Park are being constantly repressed by the government. The source stated that challenges come from both illegal occupants of the park and the Democratic Republic of Congo government.

Multiple landslides have occurred near mines in the Goma region since January. Reports indicate that landslides happen as often as several times per week, ranging from small to large scale.

An investigation into mining operations near Goma indicates that the number of deaths in these mines is often not reported. The Rubaiya mine, located near Goma, is noted for regular collapses and accidents.

Authorities plan to close banks in areas controlled by the Politico Armé FCM23 group, specifically in the Kivu region. The decision aims to protect savers and cut off funding for rebel groups. A World Food Programme (WFP) annual report indicates this move will have a direct humanitarian cost. The specific scale of the humanitarian impact is being assessed by the WFP. G8 Education plans to close approximately 10% of its centers.

James Swan, the new head of the MONUSCO mission, has said the necessity of securing airspace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The FSM-23 has requested an air bridge to supply isolated populations, with potential rotations from Goma, Kindu, Bunia, Kisangani, or Bujumbura. Swan noted that the use of drones and GPS-guided travel complicates airspace rights. The mission has not been present in the south since its withdrawal in June 2024.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has over 6 million displaced persons according to United Nations statistics. The UNHCR warns this figure could rise to 9 million by the end of 2026 if current conflict levels persist. Over 6 million people are currently suffering from acute malnutrition. One in four Congolese citizens is facing food insecurity. Most displaced individuals are located in the eastern part of the country. This figure is based on a report from a United Nations regional center for Western Europe. The data aggregates statistics from various UN agencies to provide a comprehensive assessment of the population. New UN data indicates the number of internally displaced persons in the DRC has risen to 6.4 million. The data highlights the ongoing scale of the humanitarian crisis within the nation's 113 million inhabitants.

Over 6 million people are currently displaced within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The deployment aims to address the mental health impact on personnel facing ongoing security threats. Park officials have established a psychological support unit for eco-guards and civilian staff following a militant attack on the Loup-M.B. One female staff member in her 20s reported being forced from her home by rebel groups. Psychologist Benazir Kamangou is conducting evaluations for Coupemba park employees, including eco-guards, following attacks by rebel groups. The psychological support process involves listening to survivors before proceeding with formal assessments. Some staff members reported extreme trauma and various psychological disorders resulting from the incidents.