DRC: the UN calls for mobilizing $2.6 billion to finance a humanitarian response plan

This February 20, the UN, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the humanitarian community jointly launched an appeal for the mobilization of 2.6 billion dollars to finance the humanitarian response plan for the year 2024 In 2023, the fundraising appeal was only 40% funded.

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[Illustrative image] Displaced people going about their daily lives west of the city of Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, on February 16, 2024. AFP - GUERCHOM NDEBO

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa,

Patient Ligodi

Since Tuesday morning, new clashes have pitted the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) against fighters from the March 23 Movement (M23) supported by Rwandan forces in the village of Ndumba, on the road between Sake and Minova, in the territory of Masisi.

The DRC

army

is trying to regain control of the town of Shasha, currently under the control of the M23.

Also read: “We are observing a massive influx of wounded”: in Goma, the humanitarian situation is critical

These clashes are causing new displacements, worsening an already very precarious humanitarian situation.

Meanwhile, in Kinshasa, the UN and the government presented the 2024 humanitarian response plan for the DRC.

This morning, the Congolese government and the humanitarian community jointly launched an appeal for the mobilization of 2.6 billion dollars to finance the humanitarian response plan for the year 2024.

Nearly 25.4 million people in the DRC are food insecure

These funds are intended to provide life-saving assistance and protective services to 8.7 million people whose survival largely depends on emergency assistance.

However, this objective is far from covering all needs. According to the UN, in 2024, nearly 25.4 million people will be food insecure in the DRC, while acute malnutrition affects 8.4 million people, mainly children under 5 years old, women pregnant and lactating women. The situation of children is particularly worrying, with more than a million of them deprived of education due to armed conflicts.

While international attention is often attracted by other crises, notably in Palestine and Ukraine, Modeste Mutinga Mutushayi, Minister of Social Affairs and Humanitarian Actions, highlighted the tragedy experienced by these millions of Congolese. He recalled that the DRC, with its unique environmental, mining and tourism potential, could bring enormous value to the world if it found peace.

This cry of distress is also motivated by the disappointments of the past year: in 2023, the appeal for funds was only 40% funded, leaving many vulnerable people without the necessary help.

📢It’s happening now!



Launch of the 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan for #DRCongo in Kinshasa.



This year, the humanitarian community is seeking US$2.6 billion to meet the urgent needs of 8.7 million people. pic.twitter.com/wbjTQ5wR2P

— OCHA DRC (@UNOCHA_DRC) February 20, 2024

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