Core Insights - The ongoing armed conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have intensified, leading to significant humanitarian crises and displacement of populations [1][2] - The M23 movement has been actively seizing control of key cities, exacerbating the security situation and complicating peace efforts [1][2] Group 1: Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis - The conflict in South Kivu has resulted in over 500,000 people being displaced and at least 1,500 civilian deaths since early December 2025 [1] - Thousands of Congolese refugees in Burundi are facing severe humanitarian challenges, with approximately 25,000 and nearly 40,000 registered at two refugee reception points [2] - The ongoing violence is driven by historical issues, foreign interference, and resource competition, making the security situation in eastern DRC particularly precarious [1][2] Group 2: Peace Efforts and International Response - Despite the signing of ceasefire agreements and frameworks in Doha, the peace processes have stalled due to a lack of trust and external interference [1][2] - Regional organizations like the East African Community and Southern African Development Community have deployed troops to mitigate conflict escalation, but peace initiatives remain ineffective [2] - The complexity of the security situation necessitates a shift in international aid from crisis response to long-term development, focusing on governance, judicial reform, and economic growth [3]