Thousands of children at risk of violence, abuse and displacement as armed group moves on Goma, DRC, warns World Vision

GOMA (January 27, 2025) – Global Christian humanitarian organization World Vision has expressed deep concern for the tens of thousands of people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) city of Goma, and in nearby camps, who are facing physical harm and forced displacement due to a recent escalation of armed conflict. Reports indicate that a non-state armed group has claimed control over parts of Goma, further compounding fears of widespread violence and humanitarian crisis.

World Vision, which has been supporting people living in Goma (population 2 million) and in the long-term displacement camps in and around the city, has suspended its aid operations due to armed group and Congolese Army operations that have shuttered roads and supply lines.

An estimated 400,000 people have fled the violence in eastern DRC this year alone, with many pouring into Goma, which serves as a humanitarian base for the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu. Goma sits on the border with Rwanda and is now effectively cut off from the rest of the DRC due to blocked roads and supply lines. The whole region has been in turmoil in recent weeks, with displacement camps being shelled and hundreds killed in the conflict. Many of those killed and injured have been children.

But over the weekend the situation worsened, with various parts of Goma coming under the control of the non-state armed group, putting thousands of people on the move and forcing humanitarian agency staff to evacuate or shelter in place.  Already dire humanitarian conditions are worsening rapidly, and humanitarian access to vulnerable populations inside and outside the city is severely limited by insecurity, roadblocks and the presence of armed actors.

World Vision has suspended its operations in the area, which include providing lifesaving food and cash aid, in partnership with the World Food Programme, to tens of thousands of displaced children and their families; supporting at-risk young people with programs that protect them from abuse, neglect and violence; providing essentials like cooking equipment; and distributing personal hygiene items to prevent the spread of disease.

David Munkley, World Vision’s head of operations for eastern DRC, said, “The situation is terrible.  There are not only thousands of people caught in the middle or fleeing this violent conflict but now we can’t reach the tens of thousands of people who were previously relying on us for food and other vital support. Key roads surrounding Goma are blocked, and the city’s airport can no longer be used for evacuation and humanitarian efforts. Power and water have reportedly been cut to many areas of the city.

“My biggest fear is that we are going to see a massive escalation of children and their families on the move and be unable to easily assist.  On top of this, past spikes in violence have put children at risk of being recruited into the armed groups or led to increases in girls and women experiencing sexual violence.

“The international community needs to actively get involved immediately to prevent this conflict from potentially significantly worsening. The armed actors on the ground must also allow humanitarians safe access so we can get back to helping people.

“I currently have 77 staff sheltering in place because it’s simply too dangerous for them to be working. The insecurity has resulted in World Vision being unable to reach and support families who are in dire need.”

World Vision’s DRC national director, Aline Napon, said, “Displaced women, children and men are not only fearful and in despair but feel powerless. They are now on the run from the camps or homes where they were living, not knowing where they are going to stay or what they are going to eat. Many are children.”

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has a population of 113 million with an estimated 27 million in need of humanitarian assistance.  Six million people are displaced within the country.  The two eastern provinces of North and South Kivu are already home to 4.6 million displaced people.

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit worldvision.org or follow on X @WorldVisionUSA.