The escalation of conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has triggered widespread displacement, leaving essential resources such as food, water, and shelter under severe strain. Women and children are increasingly exposed to violence and exploitation, prompting urgent humanitarian intervention. In response, the European Union is mobilizing €81.2 million in aid to support vulnerable populations across the Great Lakes region.
This funding will provide life-saving services to affected communities within the DRC, as well as support Congolese refugees who have fled the country. The aid will also extend to Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania, where fragile humanitarian conditions continue to put vulnerable communities at risk. The initiative aims to strengthen emergency response and enhance regional disaster preparedness.
Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib is visiting the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda to assess humanitarian needs, advocate for safe access for aid workers, and engage with governments and local partners. Her mission follows discussions at the Foreign Affairs Council on 29 January, where Member States expressed support for developing tangible humanitarian diplomacy initiatives. During her visit, she is reviewing EU-funded projects and meeting key stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of aid.
Of the total funding, €68 million is designated for humanitarian operations inside the DRC. This will support food assistance, emergency healthcare, nutrition services, and restoration of water, sanitation, and shelter for displaced families. The funding will also strengthen protection services, including child protection and support for survivors of violence.
The remaining €13.2 million will enhance the regional refugee response and improve disaster preparedness across the Great Lakes. This portion of the funding is aimed at enabling partners to respond rapidly to new displacement and emerging emergencies resulting from the ongoing conflict.
Commissioner Lahbib emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian access, stating that civilians in eastern DRC face extreme danger and deprivation. She stressed that while financial aid is critical, safe and unobstructed access for aid workers is essential, and all parties must fully respect international humanitarian law.
The humanitarian situation in the region remains severe. In the DRC, persistent conflict, repeated displacement, disease outbreaks, and extreme poverty have left over 21 million people in need of assistance. Violence, sexual abuse, and food insecurity affect millions, particularly in eastern provinces where repeated displacements occur. Burundi also faces a fragile humanitarian context, with hundreds of thousands of refugees and internally displaced people struggling to access food, healthcare, water, sanitation, and protection services. The arrival of tens of thousands of Congolese refugees since late 2025 has placed additional pressure on already strained resources.
The EU has been a major humanitarian partner in the region, allocating €129.5 million in 2025 to support life-saving interventions in the DRC and neighboring countries. The latest funding of €81.2 million reinforces this commitment, aiming to protect vulnerable populations and strengthen regional response capacity amidst ongoing crises.
