Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a deepening crisis as clashes between armed groups intensify, displacing millions and raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Despite a recent, limited withdrawal of the M23 militia from Uvira in January, violence continues to escalate in the Kivus and Ituri provinces, marked by a troubling recent trend: the increasing use of drones in hostilities. The United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, remains committed to its mandate of protecting civilians and supporting peace efforts, but the challenges are immense.
The situation is particularly alarming in Ituri province, where rebel attacks continue to inflict casualties, drive displacement, and damage critical infrastructure. Beyond the ongoing clashes between government forces and groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and M23, a new dimension has emerged with reports of both sides employing offensive drones. These drones, coupled with the deliberate jamming and spoofing of GPS signals, are complicating military operations and raising concerns about the protection of civilian populations, according to a recent briefing to the UN Security Council.
Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations with MONUSCO, emphasized the mission’s continued commitment to supporting a ceasefire in Ituri and providing civilian protection in North Kivu. In South Kivu, MONUSCO’s focus is now exclusively on ceasefire-related functions. Established in July 2010, MONUSCO took over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation stemming from the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in neighboring Rwanda, a conflict that continues to reverberate throughout the region. The mission’s core mandate remains the protection of civilians and assistance in stabilizing the DRC.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Tensions
While the security situation remains precarious, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict are ongoing. The DRC and Rwanda recently reaffirmed their commitment to the Washington Accords during a meeting in the US capital in March, agreeing on concrete steps to implement the peace agreement and reduce tensions. These efforts build upon progress made through the Doha process and initiatives led by the African Union, which have contributed to establishing a ceasefire framework. Although, the implementation of these agreements faces significant hurdles.
A joint exploratory mission to Uvira found that security guarantees and freedom of movement are essential preconditions for any further deployment of peacekeeping forces. Ms. Van de Perre urged the UN Security Council to leverage its influence to expedite the reopening of Goma and Kavumu airports, which are crucial for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the resumption of essential flights. She also stressed the importance of fostering dialogue among political and civil society actors to build consensus on the scope and objectives of a national dialogue.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The escalating violence is fueling a severe humanitarian crisis. Currently, 6.4 million people are internally displaced across the DRC, according to the UN Refugee Agency. This represents a dramatic shift in the humanitarian landscape, with needs outpacing available resources. An estimated 26.6 million people – a quarter of the DRC’s population – are projected to face food insecurity this year, the World Food Programme reports.
MONUSCO is providing direct assistance to those affected by the conflict, having sheltered nearly 3,000 civilians who fled violence in Djaiba village and sought refuge at the UN’s Fataki base. The mission’s patrols have also enabled approximately 18,000 farmers to harvest and transport their crops, providing a vital lifeline to communities struggling to survive. However, Ms. Van de Perre emphasized that humanitarian aid alone is insufficient and that stronger governance and security sector reform are essential for the DRC to fulfill its primary responsibility to protect its citizens.
Human Rights Concerns and Ongoing Abuses
The UN Joint Human Rights Office in the DRC continues to document grave human rights violations committed by both armed groups and state actors. Since the last Security Council briefing in December 2025, 173 cases of conflict-related sexual violence have been confirmed, affecting 111 victims, predominantly women and girls – a figure acknowledged as representing only a fraction of the true extent of the abuse. Restrictions on MONUSCO’s access are hindering its ability to effectively monitor, investigate, and report on these violations.
Human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors operating in rebel-controlled areas continue to face intimidation and arbitrary detention. The exploitation of children through forced labor at artisanal mining sites remains a serious concern, fueling the conflict and perpetuating a cycle of violence. The use of drones, and the disruption of GPS signals, further complicates efforts to document and address these abuses.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains deeply fragile. The UN Security Council is expected to review MONUSCO’s mandate in the coming months, and the outcome of that review will be critical in determining the future of the mission and its ability to protect civilians and support peace efforts. The immediate priority remains securing humanitarian access and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.
If you or someone you know is affected by the conflict in the DRC, resources are available. You can find information and support from organizations like the UNHCR and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
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