**Humanitarian emergency in Mungurejipa: the desperate call of a sector at the end of its rope**
In the heart of the Lubero territory, in the province of North Kivu, the town of Mungurejipa is at a tragic crossroads. The cries of thousands of displaced families resonate like a call for help, crying out for urgent recognition from the national and international community in the face of a rapid deterioration in their living conditions. The humanitarian crisis affecting this region is not just a scarcity of resources: it is also a symptom of a broader instability that is shaking the entire Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Since June 2024, recurring attacks by ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) rebels have cast a shadow over the region, causing the displacement of countless families, who now find themselves in Mungurejipa, a place that was never designed to accommodate individuals in distress. Samuel Kagheni, the president of a civil society organization, does not mince his words. He warns of a desperate situation: “No humanitarian support has reached these displaced people. They lack everything, finding themselves in inhumane conditions.”
The lack of assistance is not limited to a material issue. It is also a health crisis in the making. The observation is overwhelming: the closure of seven health areas has reduced access to primary care to nothing. An extremely serious issue when we consider that, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), each year, nearly 80% of diseases in this region are waterborne or infectious. The combination of precarious living conditions and the lack of medical care could lead to a health catastrophe in the short term, exacerbated by already alarming malnutrition rates.
Beyond the humanitarian crisis, the economic aspect is also on a knife edge. Rising prices for food and other basic necessities are pushing displaced families further into dire poverty. Samuel Kagheni describes the price of a bag of cassava chips, which has now tripled from 10,000 to 30,000 FC. This inflation only reinforces the often overlooked idea that economic crisis and security cannot be separated.
In a comparative analysis, it is crucial to look at similar situations around the world. Take for example the case of Syrian refugees, who, after years of conflict, have seen international humanitarian intervention intensify. The international community’s response in terms of assistance has helped contain the most devastating effects of the crisis. In contrast, the displaced people of Mungurejipa could find this help nowhere. What lessons can be learned? Protection and international support are essential from the first signs of crisis.
It is also timely to look at the structural obstacles to intervention, often linked to insecurity issues that limit humanitarian organizations’ access to areas like Mungurejipa. In a world where NGOs play a crucial role, logistical challenges in conflict contexts make the situation even more tragic. This raises a pressing question: what is the Congolese government doing to guarantee the security of humanitarian actors, in order to allow an effective intervention?
Like these humanitarian heroes who wander through devastated landscapes to offer a semblance of hope, the Congolese government must also act. Samuel Kagheni urges the authorities: “We ask the Government to guarantee the restoration of peace so that these families can return to the safety of their villages.” A lasting peace would not only allow the return of displaced families, but would also trigger a dynamic of rehabilitation for a long-forgotten region.
The cry of distress rising from Mungurejipa must serve as a catalyst for international mobilization. With the DRC regularly making headlines for varying reasons, it is time for this tragic situation to become a priority on the global humanitarian agenda. Every year, millions of dollars are spent on crises around the world. By investing in sustainable development and immediate humanitarian support for at-risk populations like those in Mungurejipa, the international community can directly contribute to long-term stability.
In conclusion, the humanitarian emergency in the Bapere sector goes far beyond the immediate needs of these families. We are at a crossroads where decisions must be made not only to save lives, but also to build a future where peace, security and human dignity are not luxuries, but fundamental rights. This is an opportunity for the world to realize that the story of the DRC is still being written, and that what is done today will determine its trajectory tomorrow. Fatshimetrie.org relays this bitter reality, urging action and solidarity towards those who cry in silence.