The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a severe humanitarian crisis as the number of displaced people in the country reaches an all-time high of 6.9 million, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

This surge in displacement follows renewed conflict between M23 rebels and government-aligned militias in North Kivu’s eastern province in October.

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IOM is intensifying its efforts to address this complex and persistent crisis, focusing on the basic needs of those who have been forced from their homes.

The security situation continues to deteriorate, leading to more frequent movements and increased humanitarian needs.

Since the resumption of fighting in the Rutshuru and Masisi regions, nearly 200,000 people have been displaced.

The IOM describes the situation in the DRC as one of the largest internal displacement and humanitarian crises globally, with Congolese people enduring a long history of crises.

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Over two-thirds of the displaced individuals in the DRC are staying with host families.

The IOM is operating 78 camps that house around 280,000 displaced people, and it is enhancing mental health services for those experiencing psychological distress.

However, the organization urgently needs additional financial resources to support its operations in the DRC, as it has received less than half of the requested $100 million.

The eastern part of the DRC has suffered from violence by both local and foreign armed groups for nearly three decades.

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The United Nations peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, present in the country since 1999, is one of the world’s largest and most expensive such missions, with an annual budget of one billion dollars.

Despite its size, MONUSCO faces criticism and opposition, with the DRC government calling for its withdrawal by December, claiming it has failed to end violence perpetrated by armed groups.