Humanitarian Crisis in DR Congo: Responding “Here and There” is More Important Than Ever

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The Humanitarian Crisis in DR Congo Highlights the Need for a “Here and There” Response

How far would you go to protect those you love? This is a question over 123 million people who have been forced to flee their homes face everyday — people like John and Sitia. And it’s what necessitates World Relief’s dual “here and there” approach: meeting people where they are and where they’re going.

As armed conflict, climate disasters and poverty escalate, we’re delivering lifesaving aid, building communities of resilience and supporting those caught in conflict overseas, while also helping displaced families experience communities of welcome right here in the U.S.

Few places illustrate the need for this approach more clearly than the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For years, humanitarian crises in DR Congo have forced millions to flee, both within the country and across borders. Some find refuge in overcrowded, under-resourced camps. A few, like those who resettle in the U.S., find safety thousands of miles from home. Our commitment is to walk with families on both sides of this journey. 

Responding “Here” for John

In DR Congo, John served as a pastor and human rights advocate. Because he spoke out on behalf of the vulnerable and challenged those in power, a target was put on his back. His life at risk, he escaped to Uganda in 2009. He spent 3 years separated from his family before they, too, fled and joined him. 

John and his family waited and prayed for another decade before getting the good news — they were approved for resettlement. In 2022, they were welcomed to South Carolina by World Relief. Though the road was difficult, staff, volunteers and local church partners helped the family navigate housing, employment and life in a new culture.

Now, John pastors a local church and supports other refugees in his community. “I got a new hope and reassurance that after many years of fear, pain, anxiety and depression, you can still thrive if you meet loving and caring people,” he said.

John’s story is one of hope — but also one of the few. Less than 1% of displaced people will ever be resettled in a country like the U.S. For most, the search for safety continues “there,” in fragile settings with limited support. That’s why it’s essential that our response reaches those escaping violence and bravely seeking a brighter future directly in DR Congo.

Responding “There” for Sitia

Through public and private partnerships, we’re delivering aid and building resilience in DR Congo for people caught in humanitarian crises like Sitia. In late 2022, the M23 rebel group, and de facto authority of much of eastern DR Congo, incited violence near her hometown. She and her younger siblings barely managed to escape. She recalled, “This journey was the worst nightmare of our life.”

The siblings arrived at a displacement camp in Goma exhausted and unsure where to turn for help. At first, there was no food, and one of her brothers left to beg on the streets. Thankfully, with funding from our partners, World Relief stepped in, providing emergency food like corn flour, beans, rice, oil and salt.

“The [food program] … has been a real savior of my little family,” Sitia said. “My little brothers no longer have to steal or beg for us to eat.”

Sadly, the camp where Sitia had sought shelter was forcibly disbanded by M23 fighters earlier this year. USAID pauses and funding cuts have created further obstacles to reaching those in need in the region. Yet, alongside partners like you, we remain and continue to serve. 

In April, World Relief DR Congo adapted to timely needs and challenges with support from private donors. Together, we’re delivering vital resources to formerly-displaced families returning from Goma to their homes in Rutshuru Territory, distributing much-needed food assistance, fostering church partnerships, promoting the protection of women and girls, and strengthening communities through agriculture and savings programs. 

Our Enduring Commitment to Engage Humanitarian Crises in DR Congo and Beyond 

With support from people like you, we’ve walked with courageous individuals like John and Sitia — meeting them “here and there” in moments of unimaginable hardship and standing beside them as they begin to heal and rebuild. In FY24, we served 280,250 Congolese people in DR Congo and 2,715 in the U.S.

But this work is getting harder. In DR Congo, forced displacement is rising, camps are being dismantled and life-saving resources are growing scarce. At the same time, U.S. policies and funding shifts are putting refugee protections and humanitarian aid at risk — both here and there.

If we don’t act now, more families will go without food. More children will be left vulnerable. More stories like Sitia’s will end in loss. And more people like John will face barriers to safety and belonging.

We cannot let that happen.

That’s why your support is needed now more than ever. Your gift empowers us to respond immediately when crisis hits, remain when others leave and walk with families near and far — bringing tangible aid and long-term hope.

Because no one should have to make these journeys alone. 

Will you give today to stand with families like Sitia’s and John’s — in DR Congo, in the U.S., and wherever families are seeking safety and belonging?

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Samuel Heard serves as a content specialist at World Relief. His writing has appeared in a variety of outlets, including Baptist Press, Mere Orthodoxy, the Center for Faith and Culture and elsewhere. He lives in Upstate South Carolina with his wife and two children.