**Fatshimetrie: a sad reality for the displaced in Goma**
The distress and vulnerability of the internally displaced in Goma have once again been highlighted by the tragic incident at the Baraka Kashaka site. Nearly fifty households were victims of brutal looting by unscrupulous bandits. On the night of Sunday to Monday, November 18, they took advantage of the darkness to strip the shelters of these people already suffering from the after-effects of war and violence. The president of the Karisimbi youth council, Claude Rugo, reported scenes of unspeakable violence, where those who tried to resist were violently attacked.
This episode sheds a harsh light on the precariousness of living conditions in the IDP camps and raises questions about the security of the places supposed to offer refuge and protection to these vulnerable populations. The supposed presence of security elements has not been sufficient to deter criminals from committing their crimes, which raises legitimate questions about the effectiveness of the protection measures put in place.
The issue of internally displaced persons in Goma is a major issue, which requires special attention and concrete actions on the part of the competent authorities. Civil society has repeatedly called for the strengthening of security measures in the IDP camps, in order to guarantee the protection of residents and prevent such dramatic events. It is imperative that urgent measures be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the displaced populations, who have already suffered so much from the horrors of war and instability.
Furthermore, local authorities and security forces must step up their actions to dismantle the criminal networks operating in the IDP camp areas. Cooperation between different actors, including civil society, is essential to put an end to these acts of violence and looting that hinder the reconstruction and rehabilitation of populations affected by conflicts.
Finally, it is imperative to adopt a comprehensive approach to address the needs of internally displaced persons, taking into account not only their immediate security needs, but also their access to education, health and dignified living conditions. Respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of these populations must be at the heart of the policies and actions implemented to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Goma.
Ultimately, the “Fatshimetrie” suffered by the displaced in Goma is an alarming reality that calls for urgent and coordinated responses. It is time to act to guarantee the safety and well-being of displaced populations, prevent further tragedies and ensure respect for the dignity and rights of the most vulnerable.