Thousands of displaced individuals, having fled the ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo, are now facing a severe humanitarian crisis in Kinshasa, the nation’s capital. Numerous deaths have been reported due to the dire lack of aid and essential services.

The majority of these internally displaced persons (IDPs) hail from the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, having escaped the advance of AFC-M23 rebels over a year ago. Additionally, others have arrived from the neighboring province of Ituri, seeking refuge from attacks by various armed groups, including the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (Codeco) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

Abandoned to their fate

Over 2,600 households in Kinshasa are grappling with an extremely precarious humanitarian situation. A significant number of these individuals are currently without shelter, having been compelled to vacate the churches and mosques that initially offered them refuge.

A particularly alarming aspect of this crisis is the high proportion of vulnerable individuals among the displaced population.

“Among the vulnerable, we find pregnant women, persons with disabilities, children, students, and the elderly. They are here with no access to healthcare, housing, or food. They are in absolute distress,” lamented Jordan Mulikuza, who serves as the president for the displaced persons from the East in Kinshasa.

The ordeal of displaced students

Among the displaced, many students face particularly harsh conditions. Some fled the conflict directly, while others had arrived in Kinshasa to pursue their studies before the violence erupted. These students now live in extreme hardship, separated from parents who either fled themselves or, in the worst cases, were tragically killed. Jacques Chiza, the representative for these students, articulated their plight.

“We are enduring incredibly difficult times. We have no food. The majority of students spend their nights outdoors because they have nowhere to sleep. We truly lack any assistance. We appeal to all people of good will to come to our aid, as the situation is alarming,” he warned.

Immediate state response urgently awaited

Sixteen individuals have tragically lost their lives due to the lack of access to healthcare in the Congolese capital. The internally displaced have repeatedly appealed to authorities and humanitarian organizations, yet without significant results thus far. They are now demanding comprehensive support and intervention from the state.

“We witness new cases of illness every day. I am sounding an alarm to the international community, United Nations organizations, and the government to explore all possibilities for intervention,” emphasized Jordan Mulikuza, the president of the displaced persons from the East in Kinshasa. He further cautioned, “We urge the authorities to act before the situation worsens. Indeed, we are making an urgent plea to the Head of State to take immediate action.“

While the displaced express a strong desire to be regrouped at a designated site, which would significantly facilitate access to humanitarian assistance, Théogène Nkundiye, an advisor at the Ministry of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action and National Solidarity, informed that their “situation is recognized and is currently under review for a lasting solution. It is still too early to discuss details today. More information will be available at the appropriate time.“

This statement, however, indicates that no concrete decisions have yet been made to provide immediate relief to the thousands of internally displaced persons struggling to survive in the Congolese capital.