Around one million seven hundred thousand people have been forced to leave their homes in South Kivu due to persistent armed conflicts in the region, according to the latest data presented by the humanitarian coordinator in the DRC, Bruno Lemarquis. This serious humanitarian crisis requires emergency assistance for these internally displaced people.
During his recent stay in South Kivu, Bruno Lemarquis highlighted the scale of the situation, revealing that this figure of 1.7 million displaced people represents around a quarter of the province’s population. These people have had to leave their homes and find themselves housed with host families or in displaced people’s sites.
Humanitarian actors are present on the ground to provide aid to these vulnerable populations, but they face many challenges. Access to some areas may be difficult due to insecurity, hampering assistance efforts. In addition, financing humanitarian action in the DRC remains a major challenge. This year, the funds awarded represent only around 30% of the expected funding, highlighting the regular underfunding of the humanitarian crisis in the DRC.
Faced with this critical situation, it is essential that the international community and humanitarian organizations redouble their efforts to mobilize the necessary resources and provide adequate assistance to those affected. This includes the provision of food, clean water, temporary shelter and medical care. Psychological support should also be provided, as internally displaced people often face trauma and emotional difficulties.
It is important to raise public awareness of this humanitarian crisis and to remember that each displaced person has a history and a disrupted life. We cannot remain indifferent to this suffering and we must act to provide the necessary help. Solidarity and empathy are essential to support these individuals in distress and help them rebuild their lives.