The United States announced $424 million in aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo to address humanitarian needs arising from armed violence in the eastern regions.
This assistance aims to alleviate the severe crisis affecting millions.
Eastern Congo, especially North Kivu province, has been plagued by conflict for 30 years.
Since November 2021, the situation has worsened due to the resurgence of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, escalating tensions and violence.
Lucy Tamlyn, the US ambassador to the DRC, and Jeffrey Prescott, the US representative to UN food and agriculture agencies, announced the aid during their visit to the DRC, underscoring the US’s commitment to support the region.
According to a US Embassy press release, $414 million of the aid package is designated for humanitarian assistance.
This funding will help address the needs of the 7.3 million displaced persons across the DRC, as reported by the UN.
An additional $10 million is allocated for health assistance to combat the mpox virus outbreak in the DRC.
The US is also donating 50,000 mpox vaccines to help curb the spread, which has resulted in 14,479 cases and 455 deaths.
