Fatshimetry: The warm welcome of South Sudanese refugees in Ituri, an example of international solidarity
In this era marked by human tragedies and massive population displacements, the province of Ituri in the Democratic Republic of Congo stands out for its unwavering commitment to South Sudanese refugees. With more than 8,000 refugees welcomed in the region, Ituri affirms its status as a hospitable land, where solidarity and compassion take on their full meaning.
Figures from the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees underline the scale of this humanitarian crisis, with nearly 55,000 refugees taken care of by humanitarian organizations in the space of 8 years. These numbers are not just statistics, they represent shattered lives and stories of suffering and resilience.
World Refugee Day, celebrated on June 20 in Bunia, was an opportunity to highlight the plight of these displaced people, but also to demonstrate the solidarity and empathy from which they benefit. Angèle Dikongue Atangana, UNHCR representative in the DRC, rightly points out that these refugees did not choose to leave, but were forced into exile by the conflicts and violence tearing apart their country of origin.
The commitment of the local authorities is beyond doubt, with the vice-governor of Ituri himself, a former refugee in Belgium, who embodies hope and the desire to find solutions for these vulnerable populations. The Senior Divisional Commissioner, Raüs Chalwe Mukuntu Ngwashi, clearly displays the province’s determination to support the refugees and restore peace and security to the region.
In the Aru territory, where the majority of South Sudanese refugees in Ituri are concentrated, the Biringi site has become a symbol of fraternity and welcome. Official figures show more than 3,300 refugees in this area, but behind these numbers lie broken destinies and unfulfilled dreams.
Beyond the borders of Ituri, the Congolese refugee crisis reveals the scale of forced displacement in Africa, with more than a million Congolese wandering the continent, seeking safety and dignity. This human tragedy calls for strengthened international solidarity and concrete actions to protect the rights and dignity of all refugees.
Ultimately, the reception of South Sudanese refugees in Ituri is an example of solidarity and humanity, where compassion and generosity combine to offer refuge to the most deprived. In a world marked by crises and conflicts, it is essential to preserve this flame of solidarity and empathy, because it is together that we can build a fairer and more humane future for all.