More than 100,000 children have been displaced by renewed fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, UNICEF warned on Sunday. The UN agency said escalating violence since Dec. 1 has forced over 500,000 people from their homes, many in South Kivu province.
Children make up a significant share of the displaced, carrying the heaviest burden of a conflict that shows no sign of easing. Since Dec. 2, hundreds of people have been killed, including children, with four students dead and several schools damaged or destroyed.
The surge in violence has driven families to flee within Congo and across borders into Burundi and Rwanda. Burundi alone recorded more than 50,000 new arrivals between Dec. 6 and 11, nearly half of them children.
UNICEF warned the number of displaced children is expected to rise as more families escape ongoing clashes. “Children must never pay the price of conflict,” the agency said, urging urgent protection and humanitarian access.
Meanwhile, the United States warned Rwanda against breaching a Washington-brokered peace deal amid renewed rebel advances. M23 rebels have expanded their control across South Kivu, including key cities Goma and Bukavu, seized earlier this year.
The UN and Congolese authorities accuse Rwanda of backing M23, an allegation Kigali strongly denies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Rwanda’s actions violate the Washington Accords signed under President Donald Trump.
He warned Washington would act to ensure commitments made under the agreement are upheld. Eastern Congo has endured decades of violence, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced in one of Africa’s longest-running crises.