### The Forgotten War: Humanitarian Consequences of Recent Clashes in Kivu
The conflict in Kivu, long neglected by the international community, is violently resurfacing with devastating consequences for local populations. The recent escalation of violence, which began on January 18 between the M23 rebels and the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, illustrated by the transfer of at least 113 seriously injured people to the General Reference Hospital in Goma. This worrying picture raises fundamental questions about the international community’s ability to respond to such humanitarian tragedies.
#### An alarming escalation
The recent clashes, which have spread from the territories of Masisi to Kalehe, reveal a dynamic of persistent violence in a region already plagued by protracted conflicts. The alleged involvement of the Rwandan army alongside the M23 rebels raises concerns not only about the sovereignty of Congo, but also about the geopolitical tensions that persist in Central Africa. This phenomenon highlights a crucial issue: the need for stronger regional cooperation to prevent escalations of violence that affect innocent populations.
The atrocities committed at the heart of the conflict are not without consequences. Alarming figures are emerging. For example, according to the OCHA report, the displaced persons camps, already weakened by years of instability, can no longer cope with the massive arrival of refugees. This leads us to a crucial question: what strategy should the international community, in particular the United Nations, adopt to prevent millions of people from falling into oblivion?
#### Impact on health infrastructure
The deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the affected areas, with deserted health areas, illustrates the fragility of the infrastructure. The transfer of wounded people to Goma is a telling example of this pressure. According to OCHA statistics, the number of non-functional health structures has doubled in the last year in North and South Kivu. This urgently requires a reassessment and tangible support for local health systems. But beyond the emergency, it is essential to consider a long-term approach to rebuilding infrastructure that has been severely affected by years of conflict.
A comparison with other conflicts in Africa shows that early and effective interventions can prevent major health crises. For example, in Sierra Leone, after the civil war, international engagement helped rebuild hospitals and improve the quality of health care, promoting sustainable resilience. This raises the question: how can these lessons learned be applied to the specific contexts of Kivu?
#### The urgency of a humanitarian response
Calls for an emergency response from local authorities and humanitarian partners are therefore of paramount importance. Humanitarian organizations must not only focus on immediate assistance, but also on setting up long-term resilience programs. Establishing safe humanitarian corridors, strengthening local health care capacities, and promoting community reconciliation initiatives could help stabilize the region.
It is also crucial to take into account the voices of victims. According to a 2022 study, more than 60% of internally displaced people want to receive psychological support in addition to material assistance. Programs integrating psychosocial well-being could help heal the invisible wounds left by violence.
#### Conclusion: Remembering in order to act
Beyond the statistics and reports and beyond the palpable suffering, there is an ethical challenge for the international community and humanitarian organizations: not to let these victims be forgotten. The crisis in Kivu, although it is currently at the forefront of the news, must not be seen simply as a news story, but as a call for collective mobilization.
Every day, thousands of people live a reality of anguish, uncertainty and danger, often without assistance. The international community must redouble its efforts to respond to these pressing needs and commit to rebuilding a future where peace and security are no longer a luxury, but a sustainable reality in Kivu. This conflict, although geographically distant from many countries, must push us to reflect on our common humanity and how we can contribute to a world where all voices are heard and human rights are respected.