Ankara: The humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo will be 'very dramatic' due to US foreign aid cuts, a government official said Monday. Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya said in a video conference with US think tank the Atlantic Council's Africa Center that 70% of the humanitarian aid in the east was funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), warning that the situation 'was dramatic, but it will get more dramatic, because we don't have this US foreign assistance.'
According to Anadolu Agency, Muyaya emphasized the urgency of making Goma accessible for humanitarian assistance, stressing the need for reopening Goma airport. He highlighted the plight of children who cannot 'go to school in peace,' with those aged between 13 and 18 being 'systematically kidnapped.' His comments followed the Trump administration's decision, influenced by US tech billionaire Elon Musk, who heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to shut down USAID's operations both domestically and internationally.
The decision has resulted in widespread disruptions in global aid programs, impacting non-governmental and media organizations that depend on agency funding. Since December, the M23 rebel group has tightened its hold on eastern Congo, capturing provincial capitals such as Goma and Bukavu. Fighting in the region since January has claimed more than 8,500 lives and left at least 5,700 wounded, according to Congolese Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba.
Last week, a tragic explosion during an M23 rally in Bukavu resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people and injuries to more than 17 others, as reported by the minister. Muyaya called on the international community to maintain pressure 'especially on Rwanda, so they can come back to the table, and then we can find a solution for the situation now.' Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebel group, leading countries like the US and the UK to impose punitive measures and sanctions against Kigali over the alleged backing.