In an impassioned plea, Jan Egeland, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, has placed world leaders under fire for their shocking neglect towards the plight of displaced civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). With violence escalating dramatically, he urged global powers to take responsibility for the deepening humanitarian crisis as people cling to survival.

Egeland's criticism comes as the M23 rebel group advances through the North and South Kivu provinces, leading to the displacement of approximately 1.2 million inhabitants who have been forced out of their homes. Many of those fleeing have landed in overcrowded and unsanitary camps around the city of Goma, where basic needs are increasingly unmet.

“The suffering of civilians in Eastern DRC is a stain of shame on world leaders,” Egeland lamented. He expressed his dismay at the growing nationalism in Europe and the United States that has contributed to significant cuts in humanitarian aid. "Countries have continuously turned a blind eye to the escalating misery for years,” he added.

His recent visit to Goma revealed appalling living conditions. Egeland described witnessing overcrowded classrooms utilized as makeshift shelters, where as many as 25 people slept in a single room. “They drag out their few meager possessions every morning because the classroom is required for education during the day,” he noted. “To say it is subhuman is an understatement. These are living conditions no one should endure.”

Eastern DRC has been a hotspot of violence for many years, but the situation has markedly deteriorated since the onset of the M23 rebellion in 2022. The Rwandan-backed group has claimed significant territory, including Goma, leading to a worsening crisis for the local population.

Egeland explained how the M23 has exacerbated displacement by forcing families to leave camps, often without adequate notice, leaving many with only 72 hours to vacate. Although some have returned home to look for safety amid the chaos, the need for essential political solutions and humanitarian aid remains dire.

He emphasized that alongside improving aid distribution, particularly cash assistance, there is an urgent need for a political resolution to the ongoing conflict. "Displaced civilians need resources to buy food and rebuild their lives in areas devastated by conflict," Egeland stated.

Further compounding the issue, Egeland revealed the financial woes faced by charitable organizations, particularly in the wake of former President Trump’s suspension of US aid spending last January, which has left several aid initiatives unfunded. He highlighted that while Norway has stepped up its financial pledges, many others are faltering.

“With pressing needs intensifying due to renewed violence, we are witnessing many unable to receive necessary support. Children are deprived of education, and living conditions continue to deteriorate. The time for action is now!” Egeland's words are a call not just for empathy but for a renewal of international solidarity to address one of the humanitarian crises of our time.