Misappropriation of funds intended for the victims of Kalehe: a scandalous situation denounced by the Civil Society
Kalehe, a region of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has recently been hit by natural disasters, leaving many affected families in dire poverty. Faced with this emergency, donations were sent by both the national government and humanitarian organizations to help the victims. However, the Kalehe Civil Society today denounces the misappropriation of these donations by well-identified people.
In a letter addressed to the Governor of the province, the President of the Civil Society of Kalehe, Martin Ngonyizi, warns of the mismanagement of certain donations and the embezzlement of funds by individuals. The transparency of the use of these resources is questioned, highlighting cases of diversion of food, non-food items and even coffins intended for the victims.
Those responsible for these malpractices have been identified, such as the Head of the Humanitarian and Social Actions Department of the Kalehe territory, as well as the pharmacist of the Kalehe Health Zone. Measures must be taken to investigate these acts of diversion and severely punish the culprits.
The Civil Society of Kalehe demands clarification as to the distribution and allocation of donations, and demands that anyone involved in these embezzlements be permanently excluded from the public service. It also asks the judicial and administrative authorities to assume their responsibility and restore the authority of the State by severely punishing the alleged perpetrators of these acts.
If nothing is done urgently, the Civil Society of Kalehe promises to carry out large-scale actions to defend the rights of the victims and put an end to these scandalous practices.
It is regrettable to note that in emergency situations, where solidarity and aid to the most vulnerable should be a priority, individuals take advantage of their position to enrich themselves at the expense of the victims. It is essential that the competent authorities take strong measures so that justice is served and the confidence of the population is restored.
Kalehe Civil Society and the victims deserve a quick and effective response to put an end to this situation of embezzlement and guarantee real assistance to people affected by natural disasters