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DRC Crisis Appeal
Last updated: 25 February 2025
Renewed fighting around the city of Goma and across North and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The rebel group M23 has occupied large part of the city of Goma and Bukavu, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis.
Every day, the situation is getting worse. We are seeing first-hand the devastating impact that this conflict is having on vulnerable communities. Some of these families have been displaced for the seventh time, with no immediate means of support. The most basic needs for survival — food, clean water, medical care, blankets and protection — are in short supply, and humanitarian aid is yet to reach them.”
Manenji Mangundu, Country Director of Oxfam in the DRC
What is Oxfam doing in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
As the violence intensifies, families – many of whom have already been displaced several times - have taken refuge in schools and churches in and around Goma. People face a lack of basic essentials but the violence and scale of need is making it extremely difficult to reach people. Nearly half a million people are left without shelter, food or water following the destruction of thirteen camps.
Communities are also struggling to access cash to buy food or return home as banks in Goma remain closed. Women and girls are among the most at risk from gender-based violence.
Together with partners, Oxfam is continuing to provide people with clean water and basic essentials to those affected by the conflict. Oxfam is working to restore critical infrastructure and treat septic tanks to help provide water and sanitation to affected communities.
Without adequate shelter and access to critical resources, the risk of disease outbreaks, is a real threat.
Oxfam has worked in DRC since 1961 and currently operates in several provinces including Equateur, North Kivu and South Kivu.
Millions of people have already been forced to flee their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo because of ongoing armed conflict. More than 25 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Conflict, Mpox virus, Ebola and cholera outbreaks have already claimed countless lives in the country.
Please donate what you can today to help us scale up our response.
How we spend your donation
For every £1 you donate to this emergency appeal, we will allocate 9p of your donation to cover general support and running costs. There is a small chance that we will raise more money than is needed for this appeal. If this happens, we’ll spend any additional funds on other Oxfam projects – wherever the need is greatest.