Record 6.9 Million People Displaced Due to Escalating Conflict in Congo, Says U.N..

Recent escalation sees millions uprooted in less time, with about 4.8 million displaced people living with host families amid escalating violence and dwindling support from external peacekeeping forces.

• The ongoing conflict in Congo has displaced a record 6.9 million citizens, resulting in one of the world's largest displacement and humanitarian crises, according to the United Nations migration agency.
• Nearly 80% of the displaced individuals reside in eastern Congo’s provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika, which have been overrun by various armed groups seeking control of the region's resources.
• The recent intensification of the conflict has resulted in a rapid increase of displacement, with many communities uprooted in less time than previously seen.
• A significant majority of the displaced individuals, almost 4.8 million people, are living with host families, stressing already impoverished communities.
• Tensions are increasing due to the escalating violence, with the Congolese government ordering the East African regional force to withdraw from the country by December, alleging ineffective results, whilst the U.N. peacekeeping mission is also under pressure to depart after over two decades of presence.

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