The head of the MONUSCO mission, Bintou Keita, was visiting Bushushu, in the district of Kalehe in South Kivu, to see the damage caused by the torrential rains on May 4. During her visit, Ms. Keita witnessed the extent of the damage that has affected this region and pledged to work in collaboration with the Congolese government to provide relief to the victims. The main needs expressed by the latter are the reopening of the RD2, relocation, and a supply of drinking water and food assistance. Despite the natural disaster that struck the victims, the humanitarian community remains determined to provide all the necessary assistance to the local population.
These floods are part of several climatic incidents that have affected the country in recent times. The shortage of drinking water and the growing insecurity in Kinshasa are also major problems facing the Congolese. Several demonstrations have taken place recently to denounce the Rwandan aggression, the socio-economic situation of the country and the corruption in the government. Despite this, the Congolese government persists in its desire to maintain the electoral calendar, which represents a crucial issue for the political future of the country.
In northern Bunia, violence has also increased in recent weeks, claiming more than 530 civilian victims in six months. The authorities are called upon to take measures to combat this violence, which has a devastating impact on local populations.
In Kasai-Oriental, the Bena Kanda region also suffers from a shortage of drinking water which has dramatic consequences for the local population. Elected officials have been alerted to the situation and must do everything possible to combat this crisis.
Finally, after the end of the state of siege, the Sacred Union and civil society are pushing for the return of the civil administration in order to guarantee stabilization and a return to normalcy in the affected provinces.
In short, the situation in the DRC is worrying, and the authorities must act quickly to respond to the issues affecting local populations.