Divergent Views on the Humanitarian Situation in Eastern DRC

February 21, 2026 - Goma, North Kivu, DRC - The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is being framed in starkly contrasting terms by two key actors. Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness, Management, and Equality, described the situation as “catastrophic” after her regional tour, while Corneille Nangaa, political coordinator of the AFC/M23, portrayed territories under his control as “the most secure area in the country.” Hadja Lahbib’s Assessment During her tour of the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda, Commissioner Lahbib highlighted severe humanitarian challenges: Over 21 million people in eastern DRC require emergency aid. Nearly 28 million people face food insecurity. Violence continues to cause repeated displacement, human rights violations, conflict-related sexual violence, and disease outbreaks. Refugee flows into neighboring countries, particularly Burundi, strain limited resources. Lahbib stressed the urgent need to improve humanitarian access, open safe corridors, and ensure the continuation of basic services. Corneille Nangaa’s Perspective In contrast, Nangaa claimed that areas controlled by the AFC/M23 constitute the most secure regions of eastern DRC. He cited: Territories under his control cover 62,000 km², hosting around 20 million Congolese. He rejects notions of foreign occupation, asserting, “We are not Rwandans, we are in Congo. A territory cannot be occupied by its own citizens.” Nangaa pledged that humanitarian access will be guaranteed within M23-controlled zones. He indicated that catastrophic situations are concentrated in Minembwe, Uvira, Beni, and Ituri, highlighting ongoing attacks and massacres outside his areas of influence. Conflict Data Highlights Despite Nangaa’s claims, available data shows continued violence across the region: Uvira and Fizi plateaus: FARDC, supported by Burundi’s FDNB, launched offensives against M23 positions; Twirwaneho-M23-Red Tabara coalition engaged in multiple clashes. North Kivu: 52 of 113 clashes documented in January occurred here; Rutshuru, Masisi, and Walikale saw heavy fighting. Civilians targeted: Drone strikes, grenade attacks, and armed sweeps resulted in dozens of deaths, including in Mpombi, Kirumba, Sange, and other villages. Uvira recapture: January 2026 operations by FARDC and Wazalendo led to at least 151 civilian deaths. Refugee crisis: Tens of thousands of Congolese fled to Burundi, exacerbating humanitarian needs. Analysis The conflicting narratives underscore a diffuse conflict with no clearly demarcated front lines. While the European Commission emphasizes a dire humanitarian emergency, the AFC/M23 stresses relative security within its territories. Ground reports, however, indicate ongoing violence, civilian casualties, and displacement, casting doubt on claims of stability. The situation highlights the complexity of eastern DRC: a multi-layered conflict involving government forces, local armed groups, and rebel coalitions, with civilians disproportionately affected.

Faits rapportés

February 21, 2026 - Goma, North Kivu, DRC - The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is being framed in starkly contrasting terms by two key actors. Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Crisis Preparedness, Management, and Equality, described the situation as “catastrophic” after her regional tour, while Corneille Nangaa, political coordinator of the AFC/M23, portrayed territories under his control as “the most secure area in the country.” Hadja Lahbib’s Assessment During her tour of the DRC, Burundi, and Rwanda, Commissioner Lahbib highlighted severe humanitarian challenges: Over 21 million people in eastern DRC require emergency aid. Nearly 28 million people face food insecurity. Violence continues to cause repeated displacement, human rights violations, conflict-related sexual violence, and disease outbreaks. Refugee flows into neighboring countries, particularly Burundi, strain limited resources. Lahbib stressed the urgent need to improve humanitarian access, open safe corridors, and ensure the continuation of basic services. Corneille Nangaa’s Perspective In contrast, Nangaa claimed that areas controlled by the AFC/M23 constitute the most secure regions of eastern DRC. He cited: Territories under his control cover 62,000 km², hosting around 20 million Congolese. He rejects notions of foreign occupation, asserting, “We are not Rwandans, we are in Congo. A territory cannot be occupied by its own citizens.” Nangaa pledged that humanitarian access will be guaranteed within M23-controlled zones. He indicated that catastrophic situations are concentrated in Minembwe, Uvira, Beni, and Ituri, highlighting ongoing attacks and massacres outside his areas of influence. Conflict Data Highlights Despite Nangaa’s claims, available data shows continued violence across the region: Uvira and Fizi plateaus: FARDC, supported by Burundi’s FDNB, launched offensives against M23 positions; Twirwaneho-M23-Red Tabara coalition engaged in multiple clashes. North Kivu: 52 of 113 clashes documented in January occurred here; Rutshuru, Masisi, and Walikale saw heavy fighting. Civilians targeted: Drone strikes, grenade attacks, and armed sweeps resulted in dozens of deaths, including in Mpombi, Kirumba, Sange, and other villages. Uvira recapture: January 2026 operations by FARDC and Wazalendo led to at least 151 civilian deaths. Refugee crisis: Tens of thousands of Congolese fled to Burundi, exacerbating humanitarian needs. Analysis The conflicting narratives underscore a diffuse conflict with no clearly demarcated front lines. While the European Commission emphasizes a dire humanitarian emergency, the AFC/M23 stresses relative security within its territories. Ground reports, however, indicate ongoing violence, civilian casualties, and displacement, casting doubt on claims of stability. The situation highlights the complexity of eastern DRC: a multi-layered conflict involving government forces, local armed groups, and rebel coalitions, with civilians disproportionately affected.