Thousands of individuals, uprooted by the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, are enduring a profound humanitarian crisis within the capital, Kinshasa. The lack of adequate support has led to numerous fatalities.

Many of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) originate from the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, having fled the advance of AFC-M23 rebels over a year ago. Others arrived from the neighboring province of Ituri, seeking refuge from attacks perpetrated by various armed groups, including the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codéco) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

 Abandoned to their fate

Over 2,600 households currently face an extremely precarious humanitarian situation. A significant number are now homeless, having been compelled to vacate the churches and mosques that initially offered them sanctuary. This represents a critical challenge for African society news and humanitarian efforts.

Of particular concern is the high proportion of vulnerable individuals among the displaced population.

“Among the vulnerable, we find pregnant women, people living with disabilities, children, students, and the elderly. They are here and have no access to healthcare, housing, or food. Consequently, they are in absolute distress,” stated Jordan Mulikuza, who presides over the association of displaced people from the East in Kinshasa.  

The ordeal of displaced students

Regarding the students, some fled the conflict directly, while others arrived in Kinshasa to pursue their studies before hostilities escalated. These young people now endure extremely difficult conditions, separated from parents who either fled themselves or, in the worst scenarios, perished. Jacques Chiza serves as the representative for these students. 

He issued a stark warning: “We are going through very difficult times. We have nothing to eat. The majority of students spend the night outdoors because they have nowhere to sleep. We truly have no assistance. We appeal to anyone of goodwill to come to our aid, as the situation is alarming.” 

State intervention urgently awaited 

A tragic sixteen individuals have succumbed due to the lack of access to healthcare in the Congolese capital. The internally displaced have repeatedly petitioned authorities and humanitarian organizations for assistance, yet without any meaningful outcomes to date. They are urgently calling for the state to assume responsibility for their welfare. 

“We have cases of illness every day. I am sounding the alarm to the international community, to United Nations organizations, and to the government, urging them to explore possibilities for intervention,” emphasized Jordan Mulikuza, the president of the displaced from the East in Kinshasa. He further cautioned: “We implore the authorities to act before the worst comes to pass. Indeed, we are issuing an urgent appeal to the Head of State to intervene without delay.” 

While the displaced express a desire to be consolidated into a single site, which would streamline humanitarian aid distribution, Théogène Nkundiye, an advisor at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity, informed us that “their situation is recognized and is currently undergoing study for a sustainable solution. It is still too soon to discuss it today. More information will be available at the appropriate time.” 

This statement implies that no concrete decisions have yet been made to assist the thousands of internally displaced persons who are struggling to survive in the Congolese capital. This situation continues to be a focal point in African news today.