Democratic Republic of the Congo - Eastern region: Overview of incidents against humanitarian workers (Jan - Dec 2025)

In December 2025, a total of 48 incidents affecting humanitarian actors were reported across eastern DRC, representing an increase compared to the 39 incidents recorded in November. Of these 48 incidents, 24 (50 per cent) occurred in South Kivu, 12 (25 per cent) in North Kivu, six (13 per cent) in Ituri, three (6 per cent) in Tanganyika and three (6 per cent) in Maniema. This increase indicates a renewed deterioration of the operating environment especially in South Kivu at the end of the year.
Since January 2025, a cumulative 626 incidents affecting humanitarian actors have been reported nationwide. North Kivu remains the most affected province with 290 incidents (46 per cent), followed by South Kivu with 177 (28 per cent), Ituri with 89 (14 per cent), Tanganyika with 48 (8 per cent), and Maniema with 22 (4 per cent). This distribution confirms persistent access constraints with a focus in South Kivu following changes in front-line positions in December.
Compared to the annual trend, December shows a higher proportion of incidents in South Kivu (50 vs 28 per cent annual average), while the share of incidents in North Kivu decreased (25 vs 46 per cent annual average).
Incident typologies in December remained consistent with previous months. Burglary, robbery, and intrusions accounted for 36 per cent of incidents, interference and movement restrictions for 34 per cent, and intimidation, threats, or physical aggression for 27 per cent, reflecting sustained pressure on humanitarian operations.