Archive for category: Conflict

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Positive Developments at Zamzam Camp in Sudan

Zamzam Camp in SudanZamzam refugee camp is approximately 15 kilometers outside El-Fasher, North Darfur, in southwestern Sudan. Many consider this camp to be the largest camp for internally displaced people (IDP) in the world. The government and humanitarian organizations established Zamzam in 2004 to respond to the surge of displaced individuals caused by the outbreak of conflict in the Darfur region.

Zamzam began as a temporary shelter for those fleeing conflict, violence and devastation. Since then, Zamzam has grown into an expansive settlement, hosting 120,000 people, including 54,000 families. Here are six facts about positive developments at Zamzam camp for IDPs in Sudan, despite its current instability.

Education for Children

According to the European Union External Action (EUAA), almost 30 schools within the camp contribute to educating 25,000 enrolled children. Many children in this camp have never been outside due to the conflict, making these schools incredibly important for their development and education.

Support for Children

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has supported children within Zamzam, successfully creating Child-Friendly Spaces (CFS). These safe places aim to help in dealing with the stream of traumatized children and teenagers arriving at this refugee camp. According to UNICEF, an average day in CFS entails taking their minds off the horrors going on throughout the country by working with psycho-social support workers.

Community-Led Initiatives

Despite the conflict and siege, the community has come together to assist in positive developments at Zamzam by helping supply the refugees with food and water. The United Nations (U.N.) has interviewed young people in Sudan who have come together to tackle the famine-stricken conditions in Zamzam. The organization explains that many people go there to volunteer in community kitchens to provide food to the various shelters around the camp.

UN Aid Convoy Security

In 2025, armed groups attacked a U.N. aid convoy, leading to the death of five humanitarian actors working for UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP). This devastating attack has increased security for all future aid convoys and the protection of humanitarian actors.

Water Relief From COOPI

An international NGO called COOPI recently delivered clean water, latrines and sanitation kits to around 9,000 people. Since the civil war broke out in 2023, this NGO has amplified its humanitarian efforts in North Darfur and Zamzam. It uses a multi-sectoral approach to provide essential human needs.

SAPA’s Integrated Emergency and Resilience Project

This project from the Sudanese American Physician Association (SAPA) has led to significant humanitarian efforts with the funding of the Schmidt Family Foundation. According to SAPA, this project has provided Zamzam IDP camp with emergency aid, such as food, health care and water relief, to more than 229,000 people.

Additionally, SAPA’s project includes the secondary phase implementation of a long-term recovery/resilience plan. This phase of the project consists of forming a youth development center. Furthermore, the SAPA team designed it to help train future generations in essential trades that will help rebuild Sudan.

In recent years, amid ongoing instability in Sudan, there have been positive developments at the Zamzam camp for IDPs in Sudan, many aimed at improving the quality of life for its residents. From increased humanitarian aid and improved water and sanitation infrastructure to educational initiatives and community-led programs, Zamzam is slowly evolving from a place of emergency shelter to one of cautious hope.

– Emma Dornan

Emma is based in Fife, Scotland and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Challenges and Progress regarding rule of law in South Sudan

rule of law in South SudanWith decades of civil war and the blurred lines between military and political power, corruption has been widespread in South Sudan. This has weakened the rule of law, which has left civilians without protection and led to cycles of violence.

Rule of Law in South Sudan: The Constitution

South Sudan’s Constitution does outline the principle of separation of powers (Article 48) and equality before the law (Article 14). It also calls for an independent judiciary (Article 122) and establishes the Anti-Corruption Commission and Human Rights Commission to help uphold these democratic principles.

However, in practice, these mechanisms are often ineffective. Political and military officials are rarely held accountable as they evade prosecution. The independence of the judiciary is also at risk as officials have the power to influence courts and legal outcomes.

Moreover, the Constitution itself provides immunity to political and military officials. Military officers, for instance, cannot be tried in civil courts. Some provisions also grant excessive power to the president, further contradicting the rule of law and the separation of powers, according to BTI. The enactment of the Local Government Act, which redefined chiefs at courts as national actors, added to the problem since this limited their ability to represent the people’s voice independently.

Implementing the Revitalized Peace Agreement

To strengthen the rule of law, President Salva Kiir Mayardit and former First Vice President Riek Macha signed the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018. This included the obligation to establish the Hybrid Court for South Sudan (HCSS) in cooperation with the African Union, according to BTI. With this international involvement and the application of international legal standards, the HCSS was envisioned to be more independent to ensure justice for serious crimes.

Nevertheless, there has been little progress, as the South Sudanese authorities have delayed the establishment of the court. The foreign assistance budget from other countries decreasing in recent years, has also contributed to stalled progress.

Other obligations set out in the Revitalized Peace Agreement include the establishment of the Commission on Truth, Reconciliation and Healing (CTRH) and the Compensation and Reparations Authority (CRA). On a more promising note, the South Sudanese government passed legislation in November 2024 to establish these two bodies. Their main roles are to investigate and report on human rights violations, promote peace and reconciliation, and ensure compensation for victims.

The UN’s assistance

Another notable progress when it comes to the rule of law in South Sudan is the operation of a general court martial with the support of the U.N. In 14 cases, the court was able to prosecute military officials for crimes such as murder and sexual violence. The court sentenced them to prison and ordered them to compensate the victims.

The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also extended support to victims by providing funding for free legal advice, mental health support, food, and accommodation. Although there are still limitations in this mission, such as the lack of victim protection during trials and a focus mainly on low-ranking officials, it still marks a meaningful step toward holding officials accountable under law.

Moving forward

Given their fragile political environment, there are still challenges to achieving rule of law in South Sudan. Hence, it is crucial for the government to continue its efforts toward transitional justice to break the cycle of conflict and address the root causes of violence. Only with commitment and long-term investment can South Sudan build a future where rule of law is not just a principle on paper, but a reality for its people.

– Lucy Cho

Lucy is based in Edinburgh, Scotland and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Health Care in Cameroon: Challenges of Conflict and Disease

Health Care in CameroonCameroon is a lower-middle income country located in Central Africa bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is home to over 28 million people with a projected 80% population increase by the year 2050. Similar to the skyrocketing population, life-threatening diseases in Cameroon have also been on the rise in recent years.

The top causes of death in Cameroon recorded in 2021 include lower respiratory infections as number one followed by stroke and Covid-19, respectively. Since 2021, there has been a surge of infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis and HIV in Cameroon and other neighboring countries, highlighting the urgency for accessible health care.

The fragility of the health care system in Cameroon is largely due to ongoing conflicts in the North West and South West regions. Since 2016, Cameroon has experienced violent confrontations between government forces and separatist groups, widely referred to as the “Anglophone crisis”. The violence has resulted in the displacement of millions and the destruction of more than 200 medical facilities. As a result, in 2025, a projected 3.3 million people living in Cameroon will need humanitarian aid.

Malaria

The malaria outbreak began in 2013, initially affecting the northern regions of Cameroon. According to CNN, 800 people died from the outbreak and over 12,000 individuals were hospitalized for severe malaria. However, less than 10 treatment centers were available and qualified doctors were scarce.

In 2021, 50% of hospitalizations in Cameroon were caused by malaria, with the majority of patients being children under 5 years old. Cameroon accounted for 2.6% of global malaria cases and 2.1% of malaria deaths in the following year.

In order to improve health care coverage for citizens in Cameroon, the CDC has supported the prevention and control of malaria since 2017. This collaboration has allowed Cameroon to introduce the Cameroon Field Epidemiology Training Program (CAFETP) in 2010, which has helped provide training to other medical professionals in several surrounding countries. The joint effort helped train hundreds of CAFETP graduates and technicians to effectively recognize and treat malaria.

Cameroon introduced a vaccine for malaria in January 2024, becoming the first country to do so. By December 2024, Cameroon achieved a vaccination coverage rate of 47%. While there are still some regions within Cameroon that lack adequate health care, this accomplishment has made substantial strides toward an equitable health care system.

HIV

As of 2024, Cameroon is estimated to have over 500,000 individuals living with HIV. Despite the substantial numbers, there is a notable drop in the prevalence of HIV between 2011 and 2018 in people ages 15-49. In more recent years, the HIV transmission rate between infants has also decreased, from 3.22% in 2023 to 1.78% in 2024. These achievements are primarily attributable to aid from organizations such as UNICEF and the CDC.

Funds raised by UNICEF brought resources to support HIV transmission rates among infants and young children. In addition, UNICEF supported various HIV interventions for pregnant women, including antiretroviral therapy and testing.

The support of the CDC through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) allows access to HIV health care in all 10 regions in Cameroon. The magnitude of this is substantial, as 95% of individuals receiving HIV treatment in Cameroon are using PEPFAR-supported sites.

In addition, Cameroon launched its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) system in April 2023 as part of its effort to increase health care access, particularly for vulnerable populations such as individuals living with HIV. By December 2024, this program allowed over 3 million people to register for the UHC program while also ensuring free access to HIV services for over 400,000 individuals.

Tuberculosis

In 2021, tuberculosis was listed as the fifth highest cause of death among individuals living in Cameroon, affecting 164 per 100,00 people. The mortality rate has seen a slight decrease since 2015, going from 31 to 30 per 100,00 individuals. More notably, is the tuberculosis mortality rate in individuals with HIV going from 31 to 14 in the same time period.

The CDC played a vital role in this operation, as nearly all tuberculosis patients at PEPFAR facilities have also been tested for HIV. In addition to HIV treatments provided by the UHC program, it provided free consultations to nearly 650 thousand children, along with free tuberculosis treatment to over 27 thousand individuals.

In response to these medical milestones, Cameroon initiated the National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), focusing on ending tuberculosis by 2030. This strategy emphasizes screening and early diagnosis, training health care workers, disease prevention, and consistent management of HIV and tuberculosis in affected patients.

A Look Into the Future

While Cameroon continues to face health challenges intensified by internal conflicts, a growing population, and the burden of communicable diseases, recent developments demonstrate meaningful progress. Continued investment in health care access, especially for vulnerable and underserved populations, will be critical to ensuring that the country is equipped to meet both current needs and future demands. With outside support and long-term planning, Cameroon has the potential to strengthen its health care system and improve health outcomes for millions of its citizens.

– Grace Johnson

Grace is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Rebuilding Khartoum

Rebuilding KhartoumKhartoum, the capital of Sudan, was once engulfed in civil war. After a hard-fought battle, the Sudanese Armed Forces reclaimed the city from the Rapid Support Forces on March 26. With the conflict subsiding, efforts are now turning toward rebuilding Khartoum and restoring hope for its future.

The Civil War

On April 15, 2023, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an attack on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Khartoum. The RSF maintained control of the city until March 2025, displacing more than 13 million people in the process. While the current conflict is devastating, it is not unprecedented—Sudan has a long and painful history of violence. The Second Sudanese Civil War, which began in 1983, resulted in the deaths of more than 2 million people. The Darfur conflict, which started in 2003, claimed 300,000 lives and displaced approximately 2.7 million.

The ongoing civil war has caused more than 61,000 direct deaths, but the true toll is far higher. More than 150,000 people have died due to war-related effects such as famine and disease. The RSF has been accused of committing acts that may amount to genocide, echoing the violence seen in Darfur during the early 2000s. Reports of ethnically targeted attacks and mass displacement have raised serious concerns among human rights groups and international observers. This humanitarian crisis underscores the urgent need for both national reconciliation and sustained international support.

Khartoum in Ruin

The effects of the war and genocide have been catastrophic. Rebuilding Khartoum will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge, with Sudanese authorities estimating the process will cost around $300 billion. Natural disasters have only worsened the crisis, as rains and flooding have displaced thousands and contributed to a resurgence of cholera. Amid ongoing conflict, the Sudanese government is unable to adequately support displaced or sick individuals. Even before the war, Sudan faced a humanitarian crisis, with 15.8 million people in need of assistance; today, that number has more than doubled.

The famine in Sudan is now the worst the country has experienced in decades, and one of the most severe globally, according to Science. More Sudanese people are suffering from extreme hunger than in any other country in the world combined, marking a staggering humanitarian crisis. While food insecurity was already a major concern before the current conflict, the war has intensified the situation dramatically. Continuous bombing, indiscriminate shelling and the looting of markets and supply chains have devastated both rural and urban food systems.

The conflict has disrupted agricultural activity on a massive scale, as farmers have to flee their land. As a result, the production of staple crops has plummeted. Sorghum and millet have declined by 42% and 64% since 2023. In many regions, food is either unavailable or unaffordable, pushing millions closer to starvation. The crisis has reached a tipping point, with aid agencies warning that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further mass loss of life.

The Road to Recovery

The process of rebuilding Khartoum could take an extensive amount of time. Recovery efforts will involve clearing unexploded ordnance, reconstructing critical infrastructure and restoring essential services such as health care, water and electricity.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has emphasized the importance of placing civilian well-being at the center of all recovery and peacebuilding efforts. The organization advocates for a unified diplomatic approach to ensure coordinated and effective action. Recognizing the many challenges ahead, the IRC continues to push for policies that address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term stability.

IRC has been providing aid to Sudan since 1981 through fundraising efforts and humanitarian initiatives. Its work spans several critical areas, including clean water programs, health services, and support for survivors of gender-based violence. Through these efforts, the IRC remains committed to improving the lives of Sudanese people amid the ongoing crisis.

Mercy Corps, another organization actively working to support Sudan, provides cash assistance to displaced individuals and those in urgent need. The organization has distributed financial aid to over 12,000 families, enabling them to purchase essential items such as food, water, and medicine. In addition to emergency relief, Mercy Corps supports long-term recovery by supplying seeds and farming tools to smallholder farmers; an especially vital effort, as the majority of Sudan’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. Like the IRC, Mercy Corps has been delivering critical aid in Sudan for more than two decades.

The Future

Rebuilding Khartoum marks the start of a long road to recovery. With widespread destruction, famine, and displacement, Sudan’s future depends on sustained humanitarian support, coordinated diplomacy, and a lasting commitment to peace.

– Abegail Buchan

Abegail is based in Johnstown, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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E3 Nations and humanitarian aid to Gaza

humanitarian aid gazaThe Gaza Strip has witnessed untold destruction and has suffered tens of thousands of deaths. Humanitarian aid is desperately necessary in this region. The E3 nations (United Kingdom (U.K.), France and Germany) pledged much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza on March 5, 2025, hoping to mobilize a peace accord in the region but also to ensure the aid provided gets to where it is needed. The U.K. Government stated that sustaining a ceasefire is vital alongside the continued humanitarian flow. The E3 nations involved have disapproved of Israel’s cut-off of any humanitarian aid to Gaza on March 2, 2025, violating multiple human rights codes. All E3 nations further stated that “bloodshed is in no one’s interest” in achieving access to humanitarian aid, wanting more peaceful means.

Humanitarian Aid from the UK

The U.K. has made large strides in providing humanitarian aid to Gaza. Working alongside UNICEF, the World Food Program (WFP) and the Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS), the U.K. has helped combat shortages of food, water and medical supplies. Official Development Assistance (ODA) of £27 million went to the Palestinian Territories to further allow access to resources. An additional £4.25 million went to vulnerable children and young women through a partnership with UNFPA, which estimates it could reach one-fifth of Gazan women and children.

At home, the U.K.’s Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and Ministry of Defence (MOD) have helped supply humanitarian aid to Gaza. More than £100 million went for ensuring humanitarian aid reaches the proper channels in Gaza to relieve it.

Humanitarian Aid from Germany

Since October 2023, “German assistance for the Palestinian territories has been increased by more than €300 million” to help alleviate the wartime crisis. Germany has fortunately seen its efforts come to fruition through its generous aid programs. Through its joint partnerships with UNICEF and the WFP, Germany has helped provide Gazans with much-needed supplies of nutrients and food formulas to combat malnutrition.

In addition to its physical efforts, Germany, as an E3 nation, has made clear statements on the need to help Gaza in its time of need, as well as to help end the humanitarian horrors by bringing peace to the region. “No humanitarian aid has reached Gaza for a month,” said German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. “This cannot and must not continue,” he added.

Humanitarian Aid from France

French President Emmanuel Macron said, “Aid must never be used as a tool of war,” on April 9, 2025. France, alongside the E3 nations, has put forward a strong position on supplying humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. On February 14, 2025, France sent 52 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, hoping to help more than 1,000 families with blankets, ground sheets, medicine, food and water. Additionally, France has worked alongside its local NGOs to ensure that the people in need directly receive the aid. Working with Premiere Urgence Internationale and Médecins du Monde have helped give the supplies from the French government to Gaza through the Jordanian humanitarian corridor.

Financially, France has made considerable contributions to the cause. Attending the first international conference of Gaza’s civilian population, France contributed €100 million out of €1 billion raised for the conference.

Outcomes

The E3 nations and the humanitarian aid provided have been significant since October 7, 2023. All three nations have contributed with both financial and physical aid, food and medicine. The E3 nations have contributed more than most to the humane cause of helping people in war torn societies.

– Joel Raymer

Joel  is based in Derby, Derbyshire, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Volunteers in Sudan: Groups Fighting War Challenges

volunteers in sudanAfter the battle began in April 2023, the current state of affairs in Sudan witnessed rising levels of violence and humanitarian crises. Millions of people have fled their homes as a result of clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Armed Forces; 2.1 million people are refugees worldwide, while 11 million faced displacement within Sudan.

The nearly two-year struggle between the Sudanese army and the rebel-turned-paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has had a particularly negative impact on women and children. War criminals often utilize sexual abuse as a weapon of war, while essential health facilities in conflict zones do not exist anymore.

However, as part of a larger community response to the worst humanitarian crisis in history, committed, women-led mutual assistance organizations have been established to provide psychological, medical, and economic help to many individuals in need. Sennar Women’s Association began its work by helping women and girls who RSF displaced. The organization’s main goals are to give pregnant women vitamins, sanitary supplies, and first aid to victims of sexual assault.

Sennar Women’s Association

The groups of women volunteers in Sudan, alongside women’s reaction rooms, are an important component of the larger emergency response rooms, which are youth-led and neighborhood-based solidarity networks, according to The New Humanitarian. These networks, which currently number several hundred nationwide, are based on Sudan’s rich history of social cooperation. Thousands of volunteers run them, preparing meals every day and maintaining utilities like water and electricity.

Since international relief organizations have not been able to regularly reach war areas, mutual aid has been extremely important in Sudan. This is even though the war has caused the greatest food crisis in history, with famine found in at least five locations and the largest displacement disaster in history, according to The New Humanitarian.

Challenges

In an interview with The New Humanitarian, volunteers in Sudan claimed that the organizations provide a lifeline for a large number of women and girls, claiming that the international assistance response has particularly overlooked their needs. According to them, the clubs also provide a network of support to help members deal with the battle.

However, according to the volunteers, they encounter an overwhelming variety of difficulties, including sexual assault by RSF soldiers and restrictions by army-affiliated officials on their access to displacement camps, where women are sometimes most in need. Volunteers reported that they do not have sufficient funding either. Although their organizations receive some financial assistance from foreign donors, it is a small portion of what the U.N. and foreign NGOs receive, despite their relatively limited access.

Unpaid volunteers frequently burn out, and communal kitchens frequently close due to the minimal funding that Sudanese benefactors and diaspora groups provide to mutual assistance organizations, according to The New Humanitarian.

How They Help

The women’s response rooms have found time to create and run educational and recreational facilities for children who do not go to scohol, even though a large portion of their work focuses on emergency, according to The New Humanitarian.

While some volunteers in Sudan reported operating literacy, numeracy and art-focused programs and safe spaces, others stated their centers have shut down due to a lack of long-term funding for teacher salaries and school supplies. Additionally, volunteers talked about managing economic empowerment initiatives that involve skill-training courses and the encouragement of small cooperatives involved in regional crafts like handicrafts and soap production.

The communal organizing has positively surprised several volunteers in Sudan, and they have stated that they would like to use it as a launching pad for future feminist activity after the war is over, highlighting how important the work of organizations is during the challenging periods of wartime.

– Taylor Naquin

Taylor is based in Gilbert, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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NGOs Supporting Palestinians Amid Conflict and Hardship

How NGOs Are Supporting Palestinians Amid Conflict and HardshipDecades of conflict and hardship have left millions of Palestinians in need of humanitarian assistance, with 3.3 million requiring aid in Gaza and the West Bank. Amid widespread poverty—nearly half of Palestinian families live below the poverty line—80% of Gazans depend on relief supplies to survive. In response, a network of international and local NGOs are supporting Palestinians by providing life-saving aid, fostering economic resilience and advocating for human rights to support Palestinian communities.

PRCS and the Red Cross

Amid conflict, medical teams and first responders work tirelessly to deliver critical care under fire. The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has been treating the injured and distributing essential supplies despite extreme dangers. By early January 2024, PRCS teams in Gaza had treated about 15,000 injured people while also distributing food, water, blankets and medical supplies to displaced families seeking shelter in hospitals. However, these humanitarian efforts have come at a cost, with ambulances and medical staff frequently coming under attack.

The ICRC has reinforced PRCS’s efforts by delivering relief supplies to more than 1.8 million displaced Gazans and providing cash assistance to more than 110,000 vulnerable individuals. In the West Bank, the ICRC has implemented emergency cash grants for 910 families whose homes were destroyed while also improving water and sanitation systems that benefit many residents. Together, these joint emergency medical efforts have been a lifeline for Palestinian civilians, ensuring that those in the most dire conditions receive critical support.

Healing Hands: International Medical Aid in Gaza

Beyond emergency response teams, international medical NGOs are addressing urgent health care shortages and providing life-saving treatment for Palestinians. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), which has operated in Gaza for decades, continues to provide surgical and burns care despite hospitals sustaining severe damage.

Following an airstrike on a refugee camp in northern Gaza in 2023, MSF teams treated 50 wounded patients in a single day at Al-Awda Hospital. Over the year, MSF provided more than 107,000 outpatient consultations, conducted 3,670 surgeries and led 13,300 mental health sessions for patients recovering from PTSD and war-related trauma.

Similarly, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) has led one of its biggest humanitarian responses to date. In 2024 alone, MAP provided medical aid and humanitarian support to nearly 1 million Palestinians in Gaza. Working with local hospitals, MAP dispatched dozens of truckloads of medical supplies, including 32 aid trucks since a January 2025 ceasefire. Additionally, emergency medical teams have performed more than 7,593 consultations and 1,587 surgeries for injured civilians.

MAP’s work has also included hospital rehabilitation efforts, setting up new surgical wards and field clinics, while screening 47,000 people for malnutrition to prevent famine. As conflict continues to strain Gaza’s fragile health care system, these NGOs play a crucial role in sustaining life-saving medical operations.

Essential Aid for Displaced Families

Beyond medical care, NGOs are supporting displaced Palestinians by ensuring they receive necessities such as food, clean water and shelter. Save the Children, which has been active in the occupied Palestinian territories since the 1970s, has reached more than 1 million people in Gaza through relief efforts across 50 locations. The organization has distributed drinking water, food parcels, hygiene kits and winter supplies while also establishing Child-Friendly Spaces to support children’s mental health.

Similarly, Oxfam has launched an extensive emergency response, overcoming severe logistical challenges to assist. Since October 2023, Oxfam and its local partners have assisted more than 262,000 people in Gaza, including 120,000 children. Its efforts include:

  • Delivering clean water to 120,000 people through desalination units and latrines
  • Providing food aid to 140,000 individuals, including fresh vegetables from remaining local farms
  • Distributing winter supplies, including blankets and warm clothing, to 42,000 displaced people
  • Supplying cash vouchers, allowing families to buy essentials as needed

Despite ongoing fuel shortages and security threats, these organizations continue to provide vital aid to families facing extreme hardship.

Building Long-Term Resilience

While immediate humanitarian relief is crucial, NGOs are also working to rebuild Palestinian livelihoods by fostering economic resilience. The ICRC has provided cash grants to nearly 2,800 vulnerable individuals in the West Bank, helping sustain livestock and agriculture in rural communities. These grants allow farming families to replace lost animals and continue producing food despite instability.

Oxfam has also been instrumental in supporting Palestinian entrepreneurship. In Gaza, Oxfam-backed programs have helped individuals like Aya Kishko, a carpenter who opened a workshop recycling scrap wood into furniture despite the blockade. With limited raw materials entering Gaza, her business—supported by Oxfam initiatives—not only generates income but also repurposes scarce resources, showcasing NGO-driven resilience efforts. By investing in local businesses and sustainable economic opportunities, these organizations are empowering Palestinians to rebuild their futures despite ongoing challenges.

Balancing Aid and Advocacy

From field hospitals to food distribution centers, the NGOs supporting Palestinians provide a range of humanitarian services to Palestinians facing crisis and recovery efforts. While emergency aid addresses immediate survival needs, development programs focus on supporting livelihoods and long-term stability. However, demand for assistance continues to exceed available resources and aid agencies face operational challenges, including security risks and restricted access. As the situation continues, NGOs play a significant role in addressing humanitarian needs and supporting ongoing recovery efforts.

– Leah Ishak

Leah is based in Exeter, Devon, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Virunga Alliance: Rebuilding the DRC

Virunga AllianceThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is actively working to rebuild and redevelop after decades of war and mismanagement that crippled the nation. The DRC, one of the largest countries in Africa, has a population of more than 100 million people. The nation has been at the center of regional conflicts, including the First and Second Congo Wars, which were among the most destructive in recent history. These conflicts created long-term socio-economic instability, which continues to impact the region. To combat these challenges, the Congolese government has implemented National Action Plans (NAPs)—a series of strategies designed to promote social cohesion and economic development.

National Action Plans for Stability and Growth

The first National Action Plan (NAP), implemented in 2010, focused on improving the rights of women and girls within local communities. The plan aimed to integrate women into the local economy and improve their societal standing. However, the government viewed this initial effort as a learning experience, identifying implementation weaknesses, according to PeaceWomen.org.

Applying these lessons, the government adopted the second NAP in 2018, with an implementation period from 2019 to 2022. This plan built upon the first by increasing women’s participation in local political organizations, allowing them to advocate for their rights and economic opportunities. Additionally, the second NAP aimed to curb the small arms trade in eastern DRC, where the majority of rebel groups operate. These armed groups control a large portion of the Congo River Basin, home to nearly 60 million people. Restricting the flow of small arms limits their firepower, but the root cause of these groups—economic instability—remains a significant challenge.

While the region is fertile, many people lack access to credit, preventing them from fully developing agricultural markets. Instead, most rural inhabitants rely on subsistence farming and fishing, with little opportunity for economic advancement. Economic instability has forced many individuals into illegal trades, including poaching for ivory, extortion and kidnapping. From 2017 to 2019, these activities resulted in more than 6,000 civilian deaths.

Virunga Alliance: A Model for Sustainable Growth

To address these ongoing issues, the Congolese government partnered with Virunga National Park to launch the Virunga Alliance—an initiative aimed at creating a sustainable economic model that expands the job market and aligns local economies with the natural landscape.

The Virunga Alliance focuses on three key sectors: tourism, energy and agriculture.

  • Reviving Tourism. Before armed conflicts disrupted the region, Virunga National Park was as popular as the Serengeti. The Alliance aims to rebuild infrastructure and improve governance, paving the way for a new wave of tourists. Since the park reopened in 2014, more than 17,000 visitors have returned—an early sign of progress.
  • Sustainable Energy Development. Revitalizing the energy sector is key to economic recovery. The Virunga Alliance has constructed three hydroelectric facilities, providing electricity to nearly 1 million people. The initiative also offers a loan-based electricity system for businesses, allowing them to access power and repay loans based on usage. More than 127 local entrepreneurs have joined this program, using sustainable energy to develop businesses.
  • Expanding Agricultural Markets. Infrastructure and electricity improvements are enabling local farmers to tap into regional and international markets. With better food storage facilities and improved roads, agricultural businesses can increase exports, creating a cycle of economic growth. As these businesses expand, job opportunities multiply, strengthening local economies.

Looking Ahead

The implementation of these programs is expected to strengthen local economies and stabilize communities affected by decades of conflict. While challenges remain, initiatives like the National Action Plans and the Virunga Alliance demonstrate that sustainable economic development is possible. By investing in women’s empowerment, small business support and infrastructure projects, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is taking critical steps toward long-term economic recovery.

– Jonathan Joseph

Jonathan is based in Milwaukee, WI, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The East African Community and the Eastern Congo Crisis

The East African CommunityThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has endured more than three decades of conflict, with constant attacks on civilians and insecurity fueling a severe humanitarian crisis. Even before the recent surge in violence, 21 million people were internally displaced and in dire need of humanitarian assistance, a number that continues to rise daily. The ongoing DRC crisis in Eastern Congo has displaced more than 6 million people, creating a cycle of dependency on aid.

This situation will likely worsen the DRC crisis due to funding shortages, including significant cuts from the United States, which accounted for 70% of the DRC’s aid in 2024. Despite these challenges, humanitarian organizations and regional neighbors like the East African Community (EAC) remain committed to fostering peace and delivering essential aid to the Congolese people.

First Congo War 1960-1965

Shortly after gaining independence from Belgium, chaos erupted as the Force Publique soldiers at the Thysville military base, marking the beginning of the DRC crisis. Congolese soldiers revolted against their white counterparts, demanding better wages. This unrest quickly escalated to other military bases, igniting widespread violence across the nation.

Just two days earlier, the provinces of Katanga and South Kasai had declared their independence from Congo. These post-colonial power struggles led to the assassination of Patrice Lumumba on January 17, 1961, which only deepened the chaos. On November 25, 1965, Mobutu Sese Seko seized power in a coup, renaming the country Zaire. He ruled until 1997 when he was ousted after decades of corruption and economic mismanagement.

The Rwanda Genocide and its Aftermath

When the Rwandan genocide ended in 1994, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) reclaimed the Rwandan capital, Kigali. The advance of the Tutsi-led rebels forced more than one million Hutu refugees to flee to the DRC (then Zaire), where they staged attacks against the Kigali government while being sheltered by Mobutu.

In 1996, the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) and the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (ADFL), under the command of Laurent Kabila, conducted attacks on the camps. The war pitted the ADFL against Mobutu Sese Seko’s Zairian Armed Forces (FAZ), Interahamwe militia, Rwandan Armed Forces ex-FAR and mercenaries. This rebellion stoked ethnic tensions, particularly with the Banyamulenge Tutsis in eastern Congo and eventually led to the overthrow of Mobutu in 1997.

Second Congo War 1998-2003

After Mobutu fled to exile in Morocco, Kabila expelled all foreign soldiers, but the Hutu militias stationed in eastern Congo continued their attacks on Rwanda. In August 1998, Rwanda invaded eastern Congo with the support of Congolese Tutsi and rebel groups against Kabila. This marked the start of the Second Congo War, which drew in as many as 14 different armies, including troops from Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe, who backed Kabila against Burundi, Uganda and Rwandan forces against Kabila.

The wars led to countless deaths, displacements and entrenched ethnic divisions and resource-driven conflicts in eastern Congo, leaving a legacy of instability that persists today.

The Role of the East African Community

The EAC is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, DRC and Somalia. The community has committed to maintaining peace and restoring stability in the DRC. Some of the interventions include:

  • In July 1999, Rwanda, Uganda and four other warring nations signed the Lusaka Accord, formalizing a ceasefire to end the Second Congo War.
  • In 2002, Rwanda and Uganda endorsed the Pretoria Agreement, while Uganda and the DRC agreed to withdraw Ugandan troops and restore bilateral relations under the Luanda Agreement.
  • Between 2008 and 2009, Rwanda and DRC held joint military operations called Kimia to disarm armed groups in eastern DRC.
  • In 2022, the EAC deployed regional forces to eastern DRC to work with the DRC forces to combat armed groups and support humanitarian efforts.
  • In 2022, the EAC Nairobi Process emerged, rallying regional leaders, civil society and international partners to prioritize dialogue and negotiation, particularly pushing for dialogue between the government and M23. 
  • In 2023, the Joint EAC-SADC united regional leaders in committing to a lasting solution, urging peaceful coexistence. Despite setbacks, such as President Tshisekedi’s refusal to attend a virtual summit hosted by Kenya’s William Ruto in 2025, regional collaboration remains central to resolving the crisis.

Final Remarks

The East African Community has dedicated significant efforts to fostering dialogue and promoting peace in the DRC, from a conflict dynamic to peace initiatives. However, it has encountered various challenges and criticisms. The deployment and subsequent withdrawal of the EAC Regional Force underscored the need for a more effective approach to tackle the issues comprehensively.

The differing economic and political interests among member states complicate the mission to pursue peace, as these divergent priorities have prompted the DRC government to seek assistance from external parties, further exacerbating the country’s instability.

The DRC crisis is a complex weave of historical injustices, failed governance, external meddling and a lack of global concern. Achieving a lasting solution goes beyond ceasefires. It requires dismantling systems that favor resource exploitation at the expense of human dignity. It also calls for holding regional powers responsible for destabilizing and empowering Congolese communities to take charge of their recovery.

– Grace Ruria

Grace is based in Nairobi, Kenya and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Rafah Border Crossing Opening and Rebuilding Palestine

Rafah border crossingThe Rafah border crossing, situated between the Gaza Strip and Egypt, has historically served as Gaza’s sole passage to the outside world that does not traverse Israel. Established following the 1979 Egypt–Israel peace treaty, it has long been a critical route for Palestinians seeking medical treatment. During times when other crossings were closed or restricted, the Rafah border crossing became a vital lifeline for the region.

The Impact of the Border’s Closure

The Rafah border crossing was sealed in early May 2024 following Israeli military actions. During an offensive in the southern part of Gaza, Israeli forces seized control of the Palestinian side of the crossing. This closure severely hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of the injured, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Tania Hary, director of Gisha, an Israeli human rights group, stated, “The most vulnerable residents of Gaza—its children, sick, and elderly—are paying the highest price” as a result of the closure, The New York Times reports.

The border’s closure left more than 2 million Palestinians trapped in Gaza without access to medical treatment or relief, adding to the region’s suffering.

Before the reopening, more than 6,000 patients were ready for evacuation for medical treatment abroad, and more than 12,000 patients were in urgent need due to the collapse of Gaza’s health system.

Reopening and Humanitarian Efforts

Since the Rafah border crossing reopened, Gaza’s Health Ministry has reported that 37 children could enter Egypt for medical treatment, with approximately 60 family members accompanying them, according to AP News. This marked a significant success for those advocating for medical evacuations.

Several organizations have stepped forward to support these efforts.

The EU has reactivated its civilian mission to monitor the Rafah border crossing, deploying personnel to support Palestinian border officials. This initiative aims to ensure the efficient transfer of individuals requiring medical care out of Gaza.

International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance (INARA) has been instrumental in organizing evacuations and ensuring that those in need, especially children, receive the treatment they urgently require.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has been actively involved in coordinating medical evacuations, providing logistical support, and advocating for expedited transfers. It estimates that between 12,000 to 14,000 Palestinians require urgent medical care outside of Gaza.

Looking Ahead: The Path to Recovery

Despite the successful evacuation of some individuals, the process remains laborious. Arwa Damon, founder of INARA, described the evacuation of 2,500 Palestinian children requiring lifesaving medical care as a lengthy and complicated process. Parents or guardians must first apply for medical evacuation, after which the Health Ministry in Gaza reviews the cases and categorizes them based on urgency.

While the Rafah border crossing reopening has provided immediate relief, Gaza still faces immense challenges in its reconstruction efforts. The conflict has left extensive damage to infrastructure, with thousands of homes destroyed, and critical facilities like hospitals and schools severely impaired. The United Nations estimates that rebuilding Gaza will require more than $1.2 billion just to clear the rubble and could until 2040 to rebuild the shattered houses.

Security Concerns and International Efforts

The situation remains unstable, with fragile ceasefire talks still in progress. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, as both local and international actors continue to push for a resolution. The international community’s continued involvement will be essential in navigating these complex negotiations.

The reopening of the Rafah border crossing is a vital step toward alleviating the immediate humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, substantial challenges persist. Long-term recovery will require continued international support, effective coordination, and the removal of material restrictions that hinder the region’s reconstruction.

– Mmanoko Faith Molobetsi

Mmanoko is based in Pretoria, South Africa and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr