Thousands of people displaced by conflict in eastern democratic republic of Congo are enduring a severe humanitarian crisis in Kinshasa, the capital. Several deaths have already been recorded due to lack of assistance.
Most of these internally displaced persons fled the provinces of north kivu and south kivu more than a year ago, escaping the advance of afc-m23 rebels. Others arrived from the neighbouring province of ituri after attacks by armed groups, including the cooperative for development of Congo (codéco) and the allied democratic forces (adf).
Abandoned to their fate
Over 2,600 households are facing an alarming humanitarian situation. Many are now homeless after being forced to leave the churches and mosques that had been sheltering them.
What is most worrying is that among these displaced people are many vulnerable individuals.
“Among the vulnerable are pregnant women, people with disabilities, children, students, and the elderly. They are here with no access to healthcare, housing, or food. They are in total distress,” says jordan mulikuza, president of the displaced from the east in Kinshasa.
The ordeal of displaced students
Some students fled the war, while others arrived before the conflict began to pursue studies in Kinshasa. They now live in harsh conditions, separated from parents who either fled or, worse, were killed. Jacques chiza represents these students.
“We are going through very difficult times. We have nothing to eat. Most students spend the night outside because they have nowhere to sleep. We receive absolutely no assistance. We appeal to anyone of goodwill to help us because the situation is alarming,” he warns.
State urged for immediate response
Sixteen people have died due to lack of access to healthcare in the congolese capital. The internally displaced have repeatedly asked authorities and humanitarian organisations for help, but so far with little result. They demand state intervention.
“We have cases of illness every day. I am sounding an alarm to the international community, un agencies, and the government to see how they can intervene,” underlines jordan mulikuza, before adding: “We ask the authorities to act before the worst happens. We are sending an alarm to the head of state to act urgently.”
While the displaced express a wish to be gathered on a single site to facilitate humanitarian access, théogène nkundiye, advisor at the ministry of social affairs, humanitarian action and national solidarity, stated that “their situation is known and is being studied for a sustainable solution. It is still too early to talk about it today. We will know more at the appropriate time.”
This means no decision has yet been made to help these thousands of internally displaced people, who are surviving as best they can in the congolese capital.