Conflict fuels humanitarian crisis in mineral-rich provinces

For decades, the eastern DRC’s provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu have remained trapped in a brutal conflict, primarily involving government forces and the M23 armed group. This persistent instability has now escalated into a humanitarian emergency of unprecedented severity, according to the UN investigative body.

The commission highlighted testimonies from civilians living in unprotected and vulnerable conditions, where intensified fighting has weakened local institutions and exposed communities to systematic abuses. “The evidence we’ve gathered paints a picture of exceptional gravity,” stated Arnauld Akodjenou, chair of the investigative panel.

A litany of atrocities uncovered

• Sexual violence, including sexual slavery, as a weapon of war
• Recruitment and exploitation of children by armed factions
• Extrajudicial killings and arbitrary arrests
• Attacks on schools and medical facilities, disrupting critical services
• Obstruction of humanitarian aid delivery in conflict zones
• Reports of torture in detention centers and threats against human rights defenders

Preliminary findings demand urgent action

The UN commission, established by the Human Rights Council, stressed that its investigations remain in early stages. While it has not yet drawn definitive conclusions about the scale or nature of violations, the panel emphasized the urgency of credible, independent inquiries. Experts are calling for immediate measures to ensure safe, unimpeded humanitarian access and to protect civilians caught in the crossfire.

“The suffering we’ve documented goes beyond mere concern; it demands immediate, sustained international attention and rigorous accountability,” Akodjenou warned. The commission urged both Congolese authorities and the global community to support transparent investigations and reinforce civilian protection frameworks in crisis-stricken regions.