At least 283 displaced people from Kwamouth territory in Mai-Ndombe province fled insecurity caused by the Mobondo militia. Currently without assistance in Kikwit (Kwilu), these displaced people face precarious living conditions. Among them are 60 women, 40 men and 183 children, many of whom are unaccompanied.
Since September 2022, these displaced people have been living with host families in Kikwit, but the latter are overwhelmed and can no longer cope with this burden without government assistance. According to Judith Mbila, investigator at the Kikwit Social Affairs office, these displaced people encounter great difficulties on a daily basis. They struggle to eat and sleep properly.
This precarious situation has already had serious consequences, with the death of 10 children among the displaced, reports the Kikwit Social Affairs office.
The return of the displaced to Kwamouth territory depends on the restoration of peace in the region. The defense and security forces are currently working in this direction. Indeed, the launch of voter identification and registration operations in Kwamouth is conditional on the restoration of stability.
It is crucial that these displaced people receive urgent assistance to enable them to live in decent conditions. The government and humanitarian actors must mobilize to deal with this humanitarian crisis and provide the necessary assistance to these displaced people who have already gone through extremely difficult ordeals.
The situation of the displaced from Kwamouth to Kikwit is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many Congolese victims of conflict and insecurity in the country. It is essential to continue to raise awareness and to act to put an end to these dramatic situations which affect the lives of thousands of people