I am deeply concerned about the worsening crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The escalating violence, particularly in North and South Kivu, not only threatens the safety and well-being of millions of people, but also undermines livelihoods, disrupts essential services, and puts years of hard-won development gains at risk.

This crisis has already displaced hundreds of thousands, intensifying poverty, food insecurity, and economic instability. It is not just a humanitarian emergency; it is a development crisis that jeopardizes progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every day the conflict continues, access to education and healthcare is disrupted, businesses collapse, and vital infrastructure is damaged – deepening hardship for communities and eroding the foundation for long-term recovery, resilience and sustainable development. 

The impact on schools, healthcare systems, and local economies is devastating. The destruction of vital infrastructure and the loss of human capital set back progress by years, if not decades. The longer the violence and human rights abuses continue, the greater the setback for sustainable development and the harder it will be to recover. Protecting civilians, particularly women and children, who are most vulnerable to the impacts of conflict, is essential to ensure that communities can recover and continue on their path toward sustainable progress. 

I call on all actors to prioritize dialogue, uphold international humanitarian law, and pursue a peaceful resolution to this crisis. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) remains committed to supporting the people of the DRC, not only in responding to immediate security challenges, but also in safeguarding development gains and laying the groundwork for long-term peace and prosperity. 

As we adapt to evolving conditions, we continue to work with governments, civil society, and international partners to ensure that communities remain resilient, essential services are sustained, and opportunities for livelihoods and economic recovery endure. 

We must act now to prevent further suffering, safeguard development gains, and restore hope for a more stable and secure future for the people of the DRC and the region.