Thousands of people who fled conflict in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are now facing a harsh humanitarian crisis in the capital, Kinshasa. Several deaths have been recorded due to a complete lack of assistance.
Dire living conditions for the displaced
Most of these internally displaced persons arrived from North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, escaping the advance of AFC-M23 rebels more than a year ago. Others fled the neighbouring province of Ituri following attacks by armed groups such as the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (Codéco) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
Left to fend for themselves
Over 2,600 households are now in an extremely precarious situation. Many have been left without shelter after being forced out of the churches and mosques that once housed them. The most worrying aspect is the high number of vulnerable individuals among them.
“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 complete distress,” laments Jordan Mulikuza, president of the eastern displaced people in Kinshasa.
The ordeal of displaced students
Some students fled the war, while others had come to Kinshasa before the conflict to pursue their studies. Now they live in harsh conditions, separated from parents who either fled or, in the worst cases, were killed. Jacques Chiza, their representative, paints a grim picture.
“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 – the situation is alarming,” he warns.
Authorities urged to act
Sixteen people have died in the Congolese capital due to lack of access to healthcare. The displaced have repeatedly appealed to authorities and humanitarian organisations, but with little result so far. They demand state intervention.
“We have cases of illness every day. I am raising the alarm to the international community, UN agencies, and the government to see how they can intervene,” says Jordan Mulikuza, before warning: “We ask the authorities to act before the worst happens. We are sending an urgent appeal to the head of state to act immediately.”
While the displaced express a wish to be gathered on a single site to facilitate humanitarian access, Théogène Nkundiye, an adviser at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action, and National Solidarity, indicated that their situation is known and under study for a sustainable solution. He added that it is still too early to discuss it further, meaning no concrete decision has been made yet to help these thousands of internally displaced persons who survive as best they can in the capital.
