Official press release: Closure of ICRC offices in Kalemie and Lubumbashi due to the improvement in the security situation in Katanga
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) recently announced the closure of its offices in Kalemie and Lubumbashi, which will take place on September 30. This decision was taken due to the significant improvement in the security situation in the former Greater Katanga.
During a press conference held in Kalemie, the head of the ICRC Kalemie sub-delegation, Wannes Carlier, explained the reasons for this closure. He indicated that the provinces of Haut-Katanga, Lualaba and Haut-Lomami have experienced a marked improvement in the situation in terms of armed conflicts in recent years. In addition, the province of Tanganyika has experienced a lull thanks to the pacification process and the reduction in humanitarian needs linked to armed conflicts.
It appears that local populations need less and less assistance from the ICRC to meet their humanitarian needs. Indeed, in certain areas, formerly considered inaccessible due to security instability, communities have gradually regained accessibility over the years. This positive development led to the decision to maintain a reduced team in Uvira, which will be responsible for covering the northern region of Tanganyika.
The ICRC remains committed to continuing its humanitarian efforts in other regions where needs are still significant. This reorganization will allow it to concentrate its resources where they are most needed while guaranteeing adequate coverage of humanitarian needs in the current context.
It is important to emphasize that the closure of the ICRC offices in Kalemie and Lubumbashi does not mean a reduction in its commitment in the Democratic Republic of Congo. On the contrary, the organization will continue to work closely with the Congolese authorities and other humanitarian partners to ensure effective assistance and respond to the most urgent needs of the population.
This decision marks a positive step in stabilizing the situation in Katanga and improving the living conditions of the populations, who will now be able to rely more on local resources and partnerships to meet their needs.
The ICRC remains committed to supporting pacification and sustainable development efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and will continue to work closely with local authorities and humanitarian actors to respond to the most urgent needs of the population.
Press contact: [Name and contact details of the ICRC communications manager]