On January 26th March 23 (M23) forces entered Goma outskirts following weeks of intense escalations. This latest escalation compounded an already dire situation, with over two million people displaced and widespread destruction of infrastructure, leaving thousands in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. As the conflict intensifies, humanitarian organisations face mounting challenges in accessing vulnerable communities. The primary security risks remain collateral exposure and criminal targeting, while critical infrastructure challenges—such as electricity shortages, internet disruptions, and lack of water distribution—further complicate operations.
Despite these challenges, INSO has adapted to the dire circumstances and maintained full operational continuity to support over 190 international and national NGOs, alongside other humanitarian partners in their critical work assisting vulnerable communities. A core team continues to operate from Goma, providing direct support to humanitarian actors on the ground. Additional INSO teams stationed across the country and from HQ provide logistical and analytical assistance to reinforce the response efforts.
Engagement with all parties to the conflict is an essential part of our humanitarian mandate, and during intense conflict is a necessary part of keeping aid workers safe. INSO, alongside OCHA, as co-leads of the Humanitarian Access Working Group, have also facilitated civil-military coordination with all parties to the conflict to uphold international humanitarian law, facilitate access and ensure aid worker safety.
INSO combines its deep local presence in DRC with global outreach to support the wider humanitarian response. Our analysis team at headquarters has provided an advisory piece for global NGO partners on the latest offensive, supplemented by a dedicated webinar on 30th January to over 220 senior decision makers, donors, and NGOs to enhance situational awareness and preparedness.
INSO remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding humanitarian principles—humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence—ensuring that aid reaches those in need, regardless of the prevailing security environment. As the situation continues to evolve, we will continue in delivering essential support to NGOs, advocating for humanitarian space, and coordinating with all relevant actors to enhance access and safety.
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INSO DRC is gratefully supported by the European Commission (ECHO), the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). All services provided by INSO are funded by institutional donors and delivered free of charge to registered NGO partners. For more information, visit https://ngosafety.org/our-funding/