Initial Action Research Report (ARR) on the Current Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Situation Overview: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently facing a multi-faceted humanitarian and security crisis, especially in the eastern regions of the country. Decades of armed conflict, human rights violations, and displacement continue to plague provinces like North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika. As of 2024, over 6 million people are internally displaced due to ongoing violence, primarily involving armed groups like the M23, which is supported by external actors such as Rwanda. These groups are responsible for numerous atrocities, including massacres, sexual violence, and displacement of civilians.

Key Issues Identified:

1. Sexual Violence and Displacement: Women and girls in displacement camps, especially around Goma, face extreme levels of sexual violence, with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reporting alarming increases in rape cases. Many victims are attacked while gathering essentials such as food or firewood.

2. Humanitarian Crisis: The humanitarian situation is dire, with millions displaced and many living in precarious conditions. Food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and lack of access to clean water exacerbate the crisis. Aid agencies struggle to meet the vast needs due to underfunding.

3. Political Instability: The political landscape remains fragile, with crackdowns on opposition parties and media. The recent arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders and journalists raise concerns about freedom of expression and political repression.

4. MONUSCO Withdrawal: The UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, is in the process of withdrawing, which raises concerns about a potential security vacuum, especially in conflict-prone areas like North Kivu and Ituri. The disengagement needs careful handling to avoid exacerbating the security crisis.

Initial Findings:

• Armed groups like the M23 continue to pose a significant threat to civilians and peace in the region. External actors, particularly Rwanda, are alleged to be supporting these militias, complicating the regional dynamics.

• The humanitarian space is shrinking as violence escalates, with UN agencies and NGOs struggling to provide adequate protection and aid to millions of displaced people.

• The Congolese government, while attempting to maintain control, is dealing with internal political strife and external pressure, hindering its ability to effectively manage the crises.

Next Steps (Plan of Action Report):

• Raise Awareness: Launch an awareness campaign focusing on the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, highlighting the plight of displaced women and children, and the violence they face. Collaborate with international media to shed light on the issue.

• Advocate for MONUSCO Involvement: Advocate for a gradual, responsible withdrawal of MONUSCO peacekeepers, ensuring that security responsibilities are transferred effectively to avoid a vacuum that could be exploited by armed groups.

• Task Force Establishment: Consider forming a task force to explore legal avenues to hold external actors accountable for their role in supporting rebel groups in the eastern DRC.

• Humanitarian Support: Engage with international partners and donors to increase funding for displaced persons, particularly focusing on health, food, and protection services for sexual violence survivors.

• Local and International Collaboration: Build stronger relationships with regional organizations like the African Union and SADC to address both the political and security dimensions of the crisis.

This action report provides an immediate snapshot of the situation in the DRC and outlines potential interventions GHRC could consider in its approach to advocacy, support, and accountability.

Sources: Security Council Report (2024), UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, Global Conflict Tracker.