Democratic Republic of the Congo Refugee Crisis Explained

The United Nations defines refugees as people who cannot safely return home because of war, violence, or persecution. For Congolese civilians, this is especially true in the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, where fighting between the Congolese army and armed groups like the M23 rebels has forced millions from their homes.

The March 23 Movement (M23), formed in 2012 in eastern Congo, is a rebel group accused of breaking peace accords and backed at times by outside support. The UN has charged M23 with grave abuses, including killings, sexual violence, and recruiting child soldiers.

Because families in these regions face targeted violence, persecution, and the destruction of their homes, they have a well‑founded fear for their safety and cannot return. For this reason, the UN recognizes Congolese fleeing this conflict as refugees in need of international protection and resettlement.

The United States has become a place of refuge and hope. Since 2014, more than 100,000 Congolese refugees have been resettled here, making the DRC one of the leading countries of origin for U.S. refugee admissions. In 2023 alone, Congolese refugees represented 30% of all arrivals, underscoring the urgent need for continued support to help them find safety, stability, and opportunity in their new communities.

*Information pulled from USA for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) and the Porsesh Policy Research Institute