The United Nations has issued a stark warning over the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where increasing violence, mass displacement, and systematic sexual violence—particularly against women and children—have reached alarming levels.
During a UN Security Council briefing focused on the Great Lakes region, senior officials painted a bleak picture of the situation on the ground. They reported that a fragile ceasefire continues to be violated, while diplomatic efforts have failed to bring about lasting peace.
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, delivered a chilling account of the abuse suffered by children in the conflict. “A child is raped every 30 minutes,” she declared, highlighting the shocking scale of sexual violence. “UNICEF estimates that during the most intense phase of this year’s conflict in eastern DRC, a child was raped every half an hour.” She said the violence is part of a systematic campaign to use rape as a weapon of war—tearing apart lives, families and communities.
UNICEF further revealed a 100% increase in verified grave violations against children in the first quarter of 2025, compared with the same period in 2024. These violations include indiscriminate attacks, abductions, forced child recruitment, and widespread sexual violence. The deteriorating security has also disrupted the response to a new strain of mpox, as patients have fled isolation facilities in Goma, sparking fears of regional transmission.
UN Special Envoy Huang Xia warned that ceasefire breaches continue unabated and that the humanitarian crisis is affecting not only the DRC but neighbouring countries such as Burundi, Uganda, and Rwanda, which are experiencing a rise in refugee arrivals. “Violations of international law and human rights persist,” he said, stressing the need to translate diplomatic progress into tangible change on the ground. “This grim reality compels us to redouble our efforts.”
Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, representing the DRC government, urged the Security Council to enforce Resolution 2773, calling for the immediate withdrawal of the M23 rebel group and their alleged backers. “The time for implementing resolution 2773 is long overdue,” she said. “M23 must immediately, fully and unconditionally withdraw from Congolese territory.” Wagner also defended the role of MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission, as essential in protecting civilians and monitoring ceasefire compliance. She condemned what she described as deliberate efforts to delegitimise the UN, accusing Rwanda of leading such attempts.
In response, Rwandan Ambassador Robert Kayinamura denied the allegations and rejected what he termed scapegoating. “The DRC must confront its internal contradictions. Externalizing or scapegoating Rwanda for its own problems will not solve the issue,” he stated.
Addressing the Council via video, Téte António, Chairperson of the African Union Executive Council, reaffirmed the AU’s leadership in resolving the conflict. He noted the development of a unified mediation roadmap based on the Luanda and Nairobi peace initiatives and encouraged the international community to support efforts aligned with AU priorities.
As the crisis deepens, UN officials are urgently calling for decisive international pressure to ensure humanitarian access, safeguard human rights, and push for a sustainable resolution in one of Africa’s most troubled regions.