The United Nations migration agency has reported that approximately 7 million people remain internally displaced within the Democratic Republic of Congo due to persistent conflict and natural disasters.
According to the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) internal displacement overview report, between June and August, 6.9 million individuals were displaced within the country. IOM emphasized that the report offers an updated country-level perspective on displacement.
In its report shared on X, IOM highlighted the complex internal displacement situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, driven by various factors and resulting in significant impacts. The agency noted that armed conflict and insecurity in the eastern provinces have been longstanding primary contributors to the large-scale, protracted displacement in the region.
The report revealed that a substantial 87% of internally displaced persons (IDPs) were affected nationwide due to conflict, while 13% were displaced due to natural disasters.
Several provinces, including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika, have been significantly impacted by the displacement crisis. Additionally, Tshopo, Haut-Lomami, Maniema, Kinshasa, and Mai-Ndombe provinces have also been affected.
The eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by ongoing conflict for many years, with recent renewed clashes between Congolese armed forces and the M23 rebels. Reports indicate that since 1996, conflicts in the DR Congo have resulted in the tragic loss of approximately 6 million lives.