The humanitarian crisis in the occupied zones of the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached exceptional severity, according to the Centre d'entraînement aux méthodes d'éducation active au Congo (Cemeaco). In a report, Cemeaco documented a crisis in the North Kivu and South Kivu regions since the Rwandan aggression. The organization's findings reveal a systematic strategy of intimidation, destruction of socio-economic fabric, and subjugation of civilians by the RDF-M23/AFC coalition.
Cemeaco's report, covering January 2025 to July 2026, highlights numerous cases of violence, including rapes and human rights violations. The organization has a network of around 100 relays in conflict zones, collecting data according to international standards and national and international legal instruments. Cemeaco's president, Pastor Emmanuel Kazadi Tshisiku, presented the findings at a conference in Brussels, stating that the violence is not isolated but part of a deliberate strategy.
The report also documents economic and cultural rights abuses, including 1.6 million children out of school, bombed or closed schools, and schools converted into combatant shelters. Additionally, the report notes the dismantling of political structures, replacement of traditional leaders, and millions of internally displaced people and refugees in neighboring countries.
Cemeaco has produced three monitoring reports since 2025, providing an overview of the situation to parliamentary bodies, humanitarian organizations, and citizen groups. The reports aim to help break the cycle of violence by providing decision-makers with documented information. Pastor Kazadi emphasized the need for an urgent, reinforced international and national response to address the crisis.
The response should focus on three priorities: immediate population protection, accountability, and combating impunity, as well as respecting diplomatic commitments. Cemeaco's mission is to inform and provide tools for justice for victims. Pastor Kazadi concluded that the time for impunity must give way to the time for justice.
The crisis has been exacerbated by the recent takeover of a politico-military movement by former President Joseph Kabila, creating uncertainty around negotiations in Doha. The ineffectiveness of announced truces and the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators have worsened the situation.
Cemeaco's efforts aim to provide a detailed understanding of the situation, and the organization reaffirms its commitment to informing and providing adequate tools for justice. The humanitarian crisis in the occupied zones of the DRC requires immediate attention and action from the international community.
Key points
- Cemeaco documents exceptional severity in humanitarian and security crisis in DRC's occupied zones
- Report highlights systematic strategy of intimidation, destruction, and subjugation by RDF-M23/AFC coalition
- Urgent international and national response required to address crisis, focusing on population protection, accountability, and combating impunity
