The critical situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to deteriorate despite the diplomatic initiatives put in place to resolve the crisis. Populations living under the control of the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, face disastrous living conditions.
During the last meeting of the council of ministers, the government stressed that Rwanda had created false groups claiming to be defenders of the people, the “Wazalendo”, and that the M23-RDF (Rwandan army) continued to perpetrate massacres against populations hostile to their presence. This precarious security situation is particularly worrying in the province of North Kivu.
At the same time, the province of Ituri is also experiencing clashes, criminal activities and tensions between different groups, leading to loss of life and material destruction.
In this conflict-ridden region, those displaced by war are going through difficult times, especially during this rainy period. Their shelters are in an advanced state of disrepair, allowing rainwater to flood their homes and sometimes forcing them to spend the night under the stars.
Unfortunately, government assistance has been lacking for several days and only a few organizations and people of good will are offering selective assistance to vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, people with disabilities, the elderly and children.
This humanitarian drama has continued for two years in the territories of Rutshuru, Masisi and Nyiragongo, which are under occupation by the M23. Children in this region, deprived of education, risk spending several years without education.
It is more necessary than ever to find effective solutions to end this security and humanitarian crisis. Diplomatic initiatives must intensify their efforts to guarantee the security of civilian populations, put an end to the massacres and allow a return to normal life in this tormented region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.