The Green Livelihoods Alliance stands in solidarity with the Democratic Republic of Congo

The escalation of violence since January 2025 in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians, with many concerns for civil society at large and women and children in particular, as they face disproportionate risk from hunger, and sexual and gender-based violence. Working in the DRC with 13 civil society partner organisations, the majority of which are based in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, the Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA) stands in solidarity with the Congolese people and calls for the urgent implementation of all measures to end the violence. We especially call for solidarity with (women) environmental and human rights defenders (W)EHRDs who live in or around the M23-held cities of Goma and Bukavu. 

Header photo: Young scouts from the Youth Virunga programme, trained in first aid and disaster management, assist the population in Goma © FESCO

Environmental defenders at risk

One of GLA’s work pillars focuses on the strengthening of civic space, and the protection of (W)EHRDs. Civil society organisations in eastern DRC are struggling to operate safely, further limiting their capacity to support local communities. Grassroots community organisations, social movements and other community leaders involved in advocacy and lobbying are also in the same situation. It is very likely that those involved in trafficking natural resources will find it easier to attack our partners. Defenders and activists face increased risks due to the escalation of conflict, jeopardising their lives and work, with the conflict making it nearly impossible to continue vital work on forest protection. Frontline defenders who have previously opposed and raised awareness about the negative environmental impacts of the M23’s actions are at heightened risk. 

Just energy transition

Another pillar of the GLA’s work addresses drivers of deforestation, and ensuring that extractive industries enforce environmental and social safeguards. While the decades-long DRC conflict has multiple underlying causes, mining for the country’s wealth of critical raw minerals is not only causing deforestation and biodiversity loss in the world’s second largest rainforest, but is also funding and adding further fuel to the conflict. While these resources are undoubtedly crucial to the energy transition, the GLA and its partners advocate for a just transition, with a focus on responsible sourcing and due diligence in order to improve the livelihoods of the people who depend on them and to prevent human rights violations and environmental degradation. It is of vital importance that all actors directly or indirectly involved in the materials supply chain in the region avoid adverse impacts resulting from trade and investment agreements.       

Call for immediate ceasefire

The atrocities in DRC are happening in a global context where there is dwindling support to strengthen civic space and defend people and organisations that are fighting to protect people and nature. Equally, there is a global rush to secure metal and mineral supply chains, which, without necessary safeguards, risks increasing the likelihood of irresponsible and harmful mining. It also raises the risk of regional war escalation. The GLA considers this a critical time to amplify the voices of those advocating for human rights, environmental justice and lasting peace in the DRC. The GLA calls for immediate and unconditional ceasefire towards sustainable peace in DRC.