In Focus: Democratic Republic of the Congo
At this critical juncture for the DRC and the region, it is crucial that the Security Council place its full weight behind current peace efforts.
Martha Ama Pobee, UN Assistant-Secretary-General for Africa, in remarks to the Security Council on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 22 August '25
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) faces one of the world’s most complex and protracted crises, with decades of armed conflict, political instability, and displacement leaving millions vulnerable.
Violence in the eastern provinces, including North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, continues to drive mass displacement and disrupt essential services, while extreme weather events exacerbate existing humanitarian needs.
At the start of 2025, more than 21 million people across DRC required humanitarian assistance, with millions facing severe food insecurity and widespread malnutrition.
Attacks on humanitarian infrastructure, insecurity, and restricted access have further hampered the delivery of life-saving aid, leaving vulnerable communities at risk.
In this In Focus section, UN News brings together its coverage of the DRC crisis, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian emergency, the ongoing challenges posed by conflict and insecurity, and the critical role of the international community in providing assistance and supporting peace and stability.
Movements of refugees, internally displaced persons and asylum seekers
Statements by the Secretary-General or his spokesperson on the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the Declaration of Principles between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23 (20 July 2025)
- Secretary-General's statement on the Signing of a Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Rwanda (27 June 2025)
- Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mrs. Judith Suminwa Tuluka, Prime Minister and Head of Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (16 February 2025)
- Secretary-General's press encounter on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (6 February 2025)
- Lieutenant General Ulisses De Mesquita Gomes of Brazil - Force Commander of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) (28 January 2025)
- Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (26 January 2025)
- Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (23 January 2025)
UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)
MONUSCO took over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation – the United Nations Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) – on 1 July 2010. It was done in accordance with Security Council resolution 1925 of 28 May to reflect the new phase reached in the country.
The new mission has been authorized to use all necessary means to carry out its mandate relating, among other things, to the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence and to support the Government of the DRC in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts.
Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General
Secretary-General António Guterres announced on 14 January 2021 the appointment of Ms. Bintou Keita of Guinea as his Special Representative in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO.
Ms. Keita brings to the position more than 30 years of experience in peace, security, development, humanitarian, and human rights, working in conflict and post-conflict environments.
Since January 2019 she has been serving as the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations and had served as the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations from November 2017 to December 2018.
Humanitarian crisis and response
More than 21 million people in DRC already require humanitarian assistance, one of the highest figures globally. Conflict, displacement, and insecurity have limited access to food, medical care, and other essential services, with 2.7 million people in the east facing severe food insecurity.
Attacks on humanitarian infrastructure and warehouses have resulted in significant losses of food, medicine, and supplies, further complicating the response. One in two children under five suffers from chronic malnutrition, highlighting the urgent need for sustained support.
The UN and its partners aim to provide lifesaving assistance to 11 million people in 2025, requiring $2.54 billion in funding. Response efforts focus on immediate relief for those affected by conflict, displacement, epidemics, and extreme weather, while also supporting longer-term solutions such as food security, health services, and protection for vulnerable populations.
Humanitarian actors continue to negotiate safe and unimpeded access to reach those most in need, despite persistent security challenges.
Support humanitarian efforts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.