What's happened
Since January, over 70,000 people have fled to Burundi due to escalating violence from the M23 rebel group in eastern DRC. The World Food Programme warns that funding for food assistance is critically low, risking suspension of aid by July 2025.
What's behind the headline?
Humanitarian Crisis Overview
- The ongoing conflict has created one of the world's largest displacement crises, with over 120,000 refugees in need of food assistance in Burundi.
- The World Food Programme (WFP) has cut rations by 50% due to funding shortages, which are exacerbated by cuts from USAID.
Funding Challenges
- WFP requires $19.8 million to sustain operations through the end of the year, highlighting the urgent need for international support.
- Without additional funding, food assistance may be suspended entirely, worsening the plight of refugees.
Political Dynamics
- The M23 group, backed by Rwanda, is one of many armed factions in the region, complicating peace efforts.
- Recent talks between the presidents of Congo and Rwanda indicate a potential for diplomatic resolution, but immediate humanitarian needs remain critical.
What the papers say
According to Al Jazeera, the WFP reported that 70,000 refugees have fled to Burundi since January due to the M23 offensive, raising the total number of people needing food aid to 120,000. Dragica Pajevic, WFP’s deputy regional director, emphasized the dire funding situation, stating, "Our available resources are stretched beyond capacity."
AP News echoed these concerns, noting that the conflict has escalated significantly since the M23 seized Goma and Bukavu, leading to a doubling of registered refugees needing assistance. The report highlights that many refugees are women and children, underscoring the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
The Independent also reported on the critical funding situation, warning that WFP may have to suspend food assistance entirely by July if additional funds are not secured. This aligns with the broader narrative of a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by political instability in the region.
How we got here
The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified since January 2025, when the M23 rebels seized Goma and Bukavu, leading to a humanitarian crisis with millions displaced. The situation has worsened with the influx of refugees into Burundi.
Go deeper
- What is the current situation for refugees in Burundi?
- How is the international community responding to this crisis?
- What are the implications of the M23 conflict for regional stability?
Common question
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What is the Current Situation in Eastern DRC Amid the Rwanda-Backed Conflict?
The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, with thousands displaced and in urgent need of assistance. As the situation evolves, many are left wondering about the implications of this conflict, the role of international aid, and the humanitarian needs of those affected. Below are some common questions and answers regarding this pressing issue.
More on these topics
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Kinshasa, Zaire, DR Congo, DRC, the DROC, or simply the Congo, is a country located in Central Africa. It was formerly called Zaire.
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Rwanda, formerly Ruanda, officially the Republic of Rwanda, is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley where the African Great Lakes region and East Africa converge. One of the smallest countries on the African mainland, its capital city is Kigali.
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The World Food Programme is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations and the world's largest humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.
