UN Humanitarian Operations in DRC Struggle as U.S. Aid Suspension Takes Toll

UN, Feb 12, 2025:  The suspension of U.S. foreign aid has significantly affected UN humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a senior UN official stated on Tuesday.

Bruno Lemarquis, the deputy special representative of the UN secretary-general, as well as the resident and humanitarian coordinator for the DRC, highlighted the dire situation in the country’s eastern region. He noted that “the security and humanitarian conditions in eastern DRC remain highly unstable,” with intensifying armed conflicts, large-scale displacement, and increasing insecurity, particularly in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

Speaking to reporters via video link from Kinshasa, Lemarquis emphasized that the suspension of U.S. foreign aid “is having a significant impact” on humanitarian operations in the region. The heavy reliance on U.S. funding has forced the closure of numerous emergency programs, including those providing essential healthcare and shelter for displaced populations. The coordination efforts led by his office have also been disrupted due to financial constraints.

“This is a matter of serious concern,” Lemarquis stated, adding that several UN agencies and international NGOs operating in the region have had their activities either “severely disrupted or completely halted.”

The only exception so far, he noted, has been emergency food aid, which continues to be provided. However, he urged Washington to grant additional exemptions to prevent a complete breakdown of humanitarian support. Lemarquis also called on the global community to step up assistance to mitigate the worsening crisis.

According to UN reports, the situation in the DRC has deteriorated significantly since January 26. More than 3,000 people have been killed, 2,880 injured, and over 500,000 displaced in recent weeks. These numbers add to the already staggering 6.4 million internally displaced people in eastern DRC, making it one of the most pressing humanitarian crises in the world.

With resources dwindling and essential aid programs shutting down, the UN has reiterated the urgent need for sustained international support to prevent further loss of life and suffering among vulnerable communities in the conflict-ridden region.