A two-week truce in eastern Congo has led to a significant reduction in fighting, but aid workers and local civil society groups report that little assistance has reached the millions of people caught in one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. The ceasefire, announced by the U.S., aimed to halt clashes between Congolese forces and rebels allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda in the mineral-rich region. Despite the pause in hostilities, reports of ongoing violence in Masisi territory near Goma have surfaced, highlighting the challenges faced in delivering aid.
Abdoulaye Barry, head of the sub-office of the U.N. refugee agency in the region, noted that even in accessible areas, resources are limited, leaving displaced individuals in dire conditions. The lack of humanitarian support has been particularly felt in the Bulengo displaced persons camp, where residents eagerly awaited aid that failed to materialize, underscoring the disconnect between the truce and actual assistance on the ground.
