Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo): A Humanitarian Emergency in North and South Kivu

The humanitarian crisis in DR Congo is escalating rapidly, particularly in North and South Kivu, where armed conflict, displacement, and food insecurity are reaching devastating levels.

Over 21 million people across the country were already in need of aid before the latest surge in violence (OCHA, 2024). In the east, fighting between non-state armed groups, government forces, and M23 has displaced more than 1.15 million people since January 2025 alone, tearing families apart and pushing communities into deeper vulnerability.

In and around Goma, access routes are cut off, camps have been destroyed, and displaced families are once again on the move. Civilians face summary executions, sexual violence, and severe shortages of food and aid. Over 2.7 million people in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri are now severely food insecure (WFP, 2024), while humanitarian warehouses have been looted, crippling the emergency response.

 

A Lifeline from Abroad: The Role of the Congolese Diaspora

Amid this urgent crisis, the Congolese diaspora is stepping in. Representing around 3 million people globally — with strong communities in France, Belgium, Uganda, the U.S., and Canada — the diaspora plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources, raising awareness, and advocating for action.

In 2023, remittances to the DRC totaled $3.3 billion, nearly 5% of the country’s GDP (World Bank, 2024). These financial flows help families survive amid collapsing local systems. But diaspora support goes beyond remittances: DEMAC’s recent mapping shows that diaspora organizations are also engaged in humanitarian relief, advocacy campaigns, and fundraising for local actors.

However, lack of coordination and visibility are limiting their full potential. Local NGOs in North and South Kivu have expressed a strong interest in collaborating with diaspora actors — particularly on advocacy and fundraising — but awareness and connection remain limited.

At DEMAC, we’re working to strengthen the impact of the Congolese diaspora by:

• Mapping diaspora-led humanitarian initiatives

• Connecting diaspora actors with local NGOs and affected communities

• Promoting coordination and capacity building to support a more unified response

DEMAC is working to enhance the role of the Congolese diaspora in humanitarian action through coordination, research, and capacity support. We are mapping diaspora organizations active in response efforts—particularly those based in France, Belgium, Uganda, Canada, and the U.S. - to better understand their priorities and connect them with trusted local partners on the ground.

As many diaspora initiatives remain uncoordinated and under-recognized, DEMAC facilitates dialogue between diaspora groups and local NGOs to foster collaboration, build trust, and ensure aid aligns with actual needs. At the same time, we support diaspora advocacy efforts by offering data, visibility, and opportunities to engage with the wider humanitarian system.

Through this work, DEMAC is helping to bridge the gap between diaspora-led initiatives and formal response structures, recognizing the diaspora not only as a source of remittances but as a vital actor in crisis response, recovery, and long-term resilience.