Armed clashes and Ebola surge deepen humanitarian crisis in DRC's Ituri province

The Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a compounded crisis of intensified armed violence and a spreading Ebola outbreak. In the Aru territory bordering South Sudan, armed groups have increased incursions, carrying out kidnappings, looting and forcing the closure of nine schools, leaving about 3,000 children without education. Humanitarian data for June 2026 reported more than 70 abductions since May and displaced over 46,000 people who now lack shelter, food, clean water and medical care. The Ebola epidemic continues to expand, adding to the urgency of health assistance.

Local civil society leaders and community notables have written to the Ituri governor urging an immediate boost in FARDC troops to secure the border and protect civilians. They also highlighted a rise in armed robberies and armed‑hand attacks on traders in Aru town and the Ariwara market, which claimed the life of a police officer and caused significant economic losses. The appeal calls for stronger security presence to curb both the cross‑border armed incursions and the growing criminality affecting the region’s population.