In the Maï-Ndombe region, humanitarian aid was provided to households affected by violence linked to the conflict between Teke and Yaka in Kwamouth. These households received a kit including essential household items such as a blanket, pots, plates, a basin, a plastic bucket, a twenty-liter container and bars of soap. This assistance, worth between 145,230 and 325,000 Congolese francs, was financed by the European Union as part of the Echo 2 project, carried out by a consortium made up of Caritas international Belgium Team Leader, Caritas Congo, Diaconie of the Archdiocese of Kinshasa and Magna.
In total, 584 displaced households and host families benefited from this assistance. Vulnerability criteria were taken into account during distribution, which was supervised by a multi-stakeholder committee. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the generous donors and stressed the importance of this assistance in their lives, as they face many difficulties.
However, it is important to note that other households displaced in other localities affected by the Maï-Ndombe crisis were not able to benefit from this assistance. In addition, some host communities that have been hosting these displaced people for several months have also not received aid, despite their urgent needs. Caritas Congo called on the authorities to increase financial resources to help these people who have lost everything and who continue to suffer from the trauma caused by the atrocities experienced.
It is essential that peace is restored in the region of origin of these people so that they can rebuild their lives and regain some stability. Humanitarian actions like this show the importance of solidarity and helping the most vulnerable in times of crisis. Hopefully these efforts will continue and more support will be provided to those who need it most.