Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada is a member of the Association québécoise des organismes en coopération internationale (AQOCI, Quebec Association of International Cooperation Organizations). We have been working in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for several decades. As mentioned in our January 27, 2025 declaration of solidarity, we are closely monitoring the situation in the country and listening to our partners. This press release was previously published in French on the AQOCI website.
Montreal, February 20, 2025 – The Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI) expresses its deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). While many AQOCI member organizations are actively working on the ground, the current crisis is reaching alarming proportions, exacerbated by recent cuts in USAID funding.
The DRC is facing a confluence of crises: armed conflict, massive population displacement, acute food insecurity and epidemics. In particular, the M23 rebel group is continuing its territorial expansion in the east of the country, worsening an already precarious situation for millions of civilians.
“Our members on the ground are reporting a catastrophic situation,” said Michèle Asselin, AQOCI’s executive director. “Entire families are displaced, deprived of access to basics like drinking water, food and health care. Humanitarian aid is more crucial than ever.”
USAID’s decision to suspend funding for several humanitarian programs in the DRC has amplified this crisis. In 2024, 70% of all international aid to the country came from the United States. This measure threatens to deprive hundreds of thousands of people of vital aid.
Faced with this critical situation, AQOCI calls for:
- Greater commitment from the international community to an immediate ceasefire and a halt to all territorial expansion by the M23 and other armed groups
- The urgent resumption of humanitarian funding by USAID, pending thoughtful reforms of the agency
- The Canadian government to continue its humanitarian and development aid and its diplomatic support for dialogue and peace efforts
“Lasting peace in the DRC can only be achieved through dialogue and international cooperation,” Asselin emphasized. “Our members will continue working tirelessly to support the affected populations, but we need strong commitment from Canada to mobilize the international community and stir it out of indifference.”
AQOCI reiterates that the situation in the DRC is not just a local crisis, but a global issue requiring a coordinated and united response. The Association encourages the people of Quebec to mobilize in support of organizations working in the DRC, and to raise awareness of this major crisis in their communities.
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For more information
Michèle Asselin
Executive Director
Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI)
Email : masselin@aqoci.qc.ca
(514) 910-1086
The Association québécoise des organismes de coopération internationale (AQOCI, see website in French) comprises 74 organizations that collaborate with 1,300 partners 112 countries in the Global South. Drawing on the strength of its network, AQOCI works to eradicate poverty and build a world of justice, inclusion and equality. AQOCI prioritizes the promotion of women’s rights and gender equality; human rights; peace; and environmental protection.