Thousands in eastern DRC lack lifesaving aid, UN says

Thousands of people in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are struggling without lifesaving aid. This is because of significant funding shortages, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Eujin Byun, a UNHCR official, stated that these funding gaps are greatly hindering humanitarian efforts. As a result, many are facing worsening conditions. The fighting between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army has displaced hundreds of thousands of individuals. In the past three months alone, more than 100,000 people have fled to nearby countries. Many have lost their homes as shelters that once accommodated around 400,000 displaced individuals near Goma in North Kivu province have been destroyed. The UNHCR reported that humanitarian partners are finding it difficult to rebuild shelters due to the lack of funds. This leaves displaced families with few options for survival. Meanwhile, the leader of the M23 group rejected a ceasefire call from the presidents of Congo and Rwanda. In a statement, he labeled any potential minerals-for-security deal with the United States as a "treachery." Tensions remain high as the conflict continues to escalate.