The eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been engulfed in a seemingly endless cycle of violence, with armed groups and inter-communal clashes terrorizing local populations for over three decades. This region, rich in natural resources, has become a battleground for more than 120 militias, each vying for control and committing grave violations that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC)-mandated Panel of Experts (PoE) has documented numerous cases of armed groups executing, torturing, and arbitrarily detaining civilians perceived as collaborators of rival forces. Tragically, even the government forces (FARDC) and police have been implicated in violations of International Human Rights Law (IHRL) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL) including sexual violence torture, and arbitrary killings.
The Escalating Crisis in North and South Kivu
The security situation in the eastern DRC has been deteriorating rapidly, with armed groups like the March 23 Movement (M23)Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) intensifying their activities. The M23 which re-emerged in 2026, has been particularly active, capturing key cities and consolidating control over mineral-rich areas. The PoE and the UN Human Rights Council (HRC)-mandated Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) have found evidence of support for M23 by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) with an estimated 3,000-4,000 troops operating alongside the group.
In response to the escalating crisis, the HRC established the FFM and later authorized a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate serious violations of IHRL and IHL committed since. Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) opened a new preliminary examination in June 2026 into alleged crimes committed in North Kivu since, following a request from the Congolese government.
Recent Developments and the Humanitarian Impact
Violence in eastern DRC continues to intensify, with armed groups exploiting security vacuums and targeting civilians. In one of the deadliest incidents, CODECO-affiliated fighters attacked villages near Pimbo in Djugu territory, Ituri, killing at least 69 people, mostly civilians. The ADF militants have also been active, killing at least 70 people between April and June. The security situation has been further destabilized by the growing use of drones by the FARDC and M23 rebels, contributing to rising civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
The humanitarian impact of the conflict is devastating. Over 7.8 million people are internally displaced, including 5.3 million in eastern DRC. Displacement sites themselves are frequently attacked, causing widespread cases of multiple displacement. An Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC has further underscored the urgency of securing a ceasefire, as ongoing insecurity hampers containment efforts and increases the risk of wider transmission among vulnerable populations.
Analyzing the Root Causes and Risks
For decades, armed groups in eastern DRC have exploited weak state presence to carry out attacks against civilians. Rampant impunity and competition for control of profitable minerals have enabled the proliferation of such groups. Ethnically motivated violence has led to repeated cycles of displacement, while sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war. Persistent insecurity and armed group activity have impeded the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO)‘s ability to protect civilians and deliver life-saving assistance.
The M23 crisis has heightened the risk of further atrocities and fueled hate speech, discrimination, and regional instability. The presence of the FARDC-aligned Wazalendo with documented records of abuse, further exacerbates protection risks. Neither a military solution nor the current peace agreements will resolve the political, social, and economic drivers of conflict in the eastern provinces. The US-mediated peace deal offers a rare diplomatic opening but lacks key commitments to justice, accountability, and redress.
The risks associated with the ongoing conflict are profound. Continuous hostilities inflict large-scale civilian casualties and destruction of critical infrastructure. Armed groups are consolidating political and economic authority amid unprecedented illegal mining exploitation and cross-border smuggling. Widespread conflict-related sexual violence disproportionately impacts displaced women and girls, while escalating child recruitment and use by myriad armed actors further compounds the crisis.
To address this complex humanitarian crisis, all forces operating in the DRC must prioritize civilian protection and compliance with IHL and IHRL. The international community should suspend military assistance to governments backing armed groups and intensify pressure on all parties to halt support for armed actors and commit to genuine peace efforts. Accountability must be central to international efforts to address the crisis, and any mineral trade deal must prioritize human rights, civilian protection, and environmental safeguards.
