Over 3.2 Million Displaced in Central Sahel, February 2025

The ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has escalated significantly, with Rwanda backing the M23 rebel group, leading to the displacement of 700,000 people and increasing violence in the region. Uganda has also deployed troops in the DRC since 2021 to counter Islamist militias, further complicating the security landscape as it seeks to secure its economic interests in the mineral-rich areas. The international community's response has been criticized for its delay, with aid cuts from the U.S. exacerbating the humanitarian situation. Experts warn that if the crisis remains unaddressed, it could destabilize not only the DRC but also neighboring countries like Burundi. The situation reflects broader patterns of exploitation and conflict over resources in Central Africa, paralleling other global conflicts in terms of international indifference. The complexities of local, regional, and international dynamics continue to challenge peace efforts and humanitarian response in the region.