Displacement crises escalate in Haiti and Democratic Republic of the Congo

Humanitarian organizations are reporting severe escalations in displacement crises across Haiti and the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to ongoing violence.

In Haiti, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that internal displacement exceeded 1,466,862 people in August 2026. Gang-related violence, including massacres in Kenskoff that killed over 40 people, has driven thousands to flee. The IOM noted a rise in forced returns to Haiti, with 28,104 people returned in August alone, marking the highest monthly figure since 2021. Currently, the IOM’s $70 million funding appeal is only 54% funded.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recorded over 312,900 displaced persons across 69 sites in the Ituri region as of August 2026. Violence from armed groups continues to trigger new movements, particularly in the Djugu territory. Similar instability is reported in North Kivu and South Kivu due to clashes between the FARDC and M23 rebels. Additionally, Ituri is facing a health crisis, with 1,696 cholera cases reported in August.