Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Fierce fighting during the last few days has forced thousands of people to flee from their homes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Many are finding their way into makeshift camps in the east of the country. Arriving daily, people are now desperately looking for security, food and clean drinking water.

Oxfam is already working in four camps in the region but the size of the camps is increasing dramatically as tens of thousands more people flee towards Goma. This sudden influx means we now desperately need to ramp-up our relief efforts.

"The numbers fleeing are staggering. People urgently need our help. The latest fighting has spread fear and panic and left many more people living in very harsh conditions."

(Juliette Prodhan, DRC Country Director, Oxfam)

In the camps, we have set up water tanks and tap stands to give people clean water. We are also providing sanitation facilities and are teaching camp leaders basic health skills to protect families from the spread of life threatening disease.

So long as the fighting in DRC continues, it’s not safe for many people to leave the camps and return home. But with your help we can provide them with a clean, safe water supply.

You can make a donation via the Oxfam Bookshop in Hertford.