The difficult living conditions of displaced people from Kwamouth in Bandundu continue to deteriorate, highlighting the urgency of humanitarian assistance. With a total number of 4,669 displaced people, their precarious situation continues to worsen. Whether in the warehouses of the central market of Bandundu or with host families, these displaced people are faced with serious problems of food and health care.
Unfortunately, the situation got even worse with two additional deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to 60. Among the victims, an 8-year-old girl and a mother in her thirties lost their lives during the same week. These deaths reflect the precarious living conditions faced by these displaced people, who receive no assistance.
According to Frédéric Nkumpum, advisor to the provincial humanitarian affairs commission, it is urgent to take measures to improve the situation: “There is a problem linked to their living conditions, because they do not receive any assistance. Since the intervention of the Red Cross with the distribution of food, nothing was done to feed them.”
Among the displaced people present in Bandundu, 68 pregnant women are among them. Although some of them are hosted by host families, others are housed in the Malebo collective center. These women and their unborn babies are in a particularly vulnerable situation, requiring specific attention and assistance.
The situation of displaced people is not exclusive to Bandundu. Other localities in the Kwilu region, such as Kikwit and Masimanimba (Mukamo site), are also welcoming displaced people. In total, there are approximately 5,971 displaced people in Kikwit and 130 in Masimanimba, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The situation of the displaced people of Kwamouth is the result of a community conflict between the Teke and the Yaka, exacerbated by the insecurity caused by the Mobondo militiamen. However, it is crucial to remember that behind these numbers are individuals with broken stories and lives who need help and support.
There is an urgent need for authorities and humanitarian organizations to step up their efforts to provide immediate food and health assistance to the displaced in Kwamouth. We must act quickly to prevent further loss of life and ensure decent living conditions for these vulnerable people.
In conclusion, it is essential that the international community becomes aware of this humanitarian crisis, supports local efforts and provides concrete aid. The displaced people of Kwamouth deserve our solidarity and our attention to overcome this ordeal and rebuild their lives in dignified conditions.