BY ALEX BALUKU
Kinshasa, DRC – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to grapple with violence and humanitarian crises, with UN officials highlighting the ongoing impact on civilians, particularly children, in the country’s eastern provinces.
During the United Nations’ daily press briefing on October 7, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres, reported that from January to September 2025, UN peacekeepers (MONUSCO) and UNICEF facilitated the release of 410 children from armed groups in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. These included 344 boys and 66 girls, all of whom have been referred to reintegration programs.
Despite these efforts, the UN verified 165 cases of child recruitment and use, underscoring the continued vulnerability of children in conflict-affected areas. MONUSCO has emphasized the need for long-term protection, prevention, and accountability measures.
The UN spokesperson’s briefing comes amid escalating tensions in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group has captured key cities including Goma and Bukavu. Despite a June 2025 U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement, fighting persists in rural areas such as Lubero, and approximately 7,000 Rwandan troops reportedly remain in the region, delaying broader peace initiatives.
Political developments in the country are further complicating the situation. Former President Joseph Kabila was recently sentenced to death in absentia by a Kinshasa military court, accused of collaborating with M23 rebels and complicity in war crimes. Kabila, currently residing in South Africa, has denied the allegations.
Amid the conflict, civilians face severe humanitarian challenges. Over seven million people are internally displaced, with widespread food insecurity affecting nearly a quarter of the population. Reports indicate that armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), continue to commit attacks against civilians, such as the September 2025 Ntoyo massacre, which claimed over 60 lives during a funeral.
Economically, President Félix Tshisekedi introduced a new cobalt export quota system effective October 16, 2025, aiming to stabilize prices and combat fraud. Violations of these quotas will result in permanent bans, an effort to regulate the critical resource essential for global electric vehicle production.
In an unusual response to conflict-related trauma, Congolese stand-up comedians in cities like Beni have used humor to help communities cope, providing temporary relief and emotional support for war-weary populations.
“The situation remains fluid, with continued international mediation efforts,” Dujarric said. “However, the combination of armed conflict, political tensions, and humanitarian challenges continues to impede progress toward lasting stability in the DRC.”
