**Humanitarian in peril: the displaced crisis in Lindji highlights a systemic failure**
The territory of Djugu, located in the province of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is facing a humanitarian crisis of alarming magnitude, making visible the fractures and failures of a system supposed to protect the most vulnerable. Recently, more than 6,000 displaced people have been stranded in precarious conditions on the Lindji site, an event that tragically illustrates the impact of armed conflict on the local population.
### The portrait of an ignored crisis
What is happening in Lindji is not an isolated case; it is a reflection of a broader problem that affects the entire region. The violence perpetrated by different armed groups, along essential resources and certain political dynamics, exacerbates forced displacement. Currently, the world is turned towards other crises, but the situation in Lindji deserves urgent attention.
In terms of the number of displaced people in the world, we can see that the DRC is one of the countries with the highest number of internally displaced people. According to UNHCR data, nearly 5.5 million Congolese are currently displaced. In comparison, the DRC is the third country after Syria and Venezuela in terms of internally displaced people. The situation in Lindji is a microcosm of this reality, where overcrowding in dilapidated shelters distances humanitarian workers from their primary mission: saving lives.
### A desperate request for assistance
The plea made by the IDP Committee during the visit of Bruno Lemarquis, the UN Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs, is indicative of the urgency of tangible support. It is not only a question of humanitarian emergency, but also a need to address the roots of these crises, namely security and violence. Testimonies from local leaders also speak of a lack of access to medical care, clean water, and basic food, conditions that could lead to public health crises if nothing is done quickly.
### The risk of a health deterioration
Living conditions in Lindji are not just a temporary challenge; they carry the risk of a long-term health deterioration. Women and children, often more vulnerable, must travel long distances to find water, which exposes them to additional dangers amid insecurity. At this rate, infectious diseases could multiply, further aggravating the situation of the displaced. At the same time, gender-based violence, already pervasive in conflict situations, could reach new heights due to these desperate conditions..
### The role of civil society
Civil society’s call for enhanced security and improved access to humanitarian services also highlights the need for continued advocacy for multi-sectoral support. Local actors play a crucial role as intermediaries between authorities and affected populations. However, their voices must be amplified by the international community. In the absence of a sustained humanitarian response, the future of the displaced in Lindji is likely to be very bleak, if not disastrous.
### A call for concerted action
It is imperative that concerted strategies are put in place to address the humanitarian crisis in Lindji. This requires not only increased engagement by humanitarians, but also enhanced cooperation between local governments and international agencies. The unfortunate experience of humanitarian history in the DRC should serve as a warning. When crises are neglected, the consequences can be catastrophic not only for the individuals concerned, but also for regional stability.
Bruno Lemarquis promised to take into account the recommendations of the notables, but real action requires concrete and innovative follow-ups. The crisis of the displaced in Lindji is not only a moral obligation; it represents a test of our collective humanity. The hopes placed in statistical approaches and pleadings must materialize into tangible results.
The time has come to say to the displaced of Lindji, as well as to the entire population affected by conflicts in the DRC: “We hear you, and we are acting.” It is essential to turn words into actions, to move from good intentions to the implementation of sustainable solutions for this growing humanitarian crisis.