** The humanitarian crisis in Walikale: an economic and social drama amplified by the looting of health infrastructure **
Between the lush forests and the winding rivers of North Kivu, the locality of Walikale, often neglected in the international agenda, is the scene of a silent tragedy. The alarming report on the systematic looting of hospitals and health centers by alleged militiamen of the M23 between April 3 and 4, 2025 is only the last illustration of a conflict that gets bogged down and which, far from being confined to the military dimension, turns out to be a humanitarian disaster with devastating economic repercussions.
### A targeted and methodical destruction
The poignant testimonies collected by Walikale civil society reveal an incredible violence which does not only aim at material goods, but directly attacks the foundation of communities: access to health care. From biomedical equipment to essential drugs, including administrative documents, these looting leaves the populations already vulnerable in an even more precarious situation. These events question not only about the military strategy of the M23, but also about the reflection of a policy of terror which seeks to destroy the confidence of the populations towards their institutions.
In a sense, this destruction cycle recalls similar events in other areas of conflict around the world, where health infrastructure is deliberately targeted – an act often perceived as an asymmetrical war tactic. In an article published in *Fatshimetrie *, it is specified that these behaviors, far from being accidents, are calculated strategies of crumbling of societal bases.
### Access to deteriorated care: statistics speak
While the report of the Walikale health zone indicates that 9 out of 18 health structures had already been ransacked in March, one wonders what the immediate consequences in terms of public health will be. Statistics are worrying: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in situations where access to care is compromised, there is a 30% increase in cases of infectious diseases and an increase in infant mortality.
Beyond physical health, these violence also leads to psychological suffering. Post-traumatic stress becomes a real scourge in populations already affected by repeated crises. People disrupted by violence are often unplugged to seek medical aid, thus exacerbating the cycle of suffering.
### Call to international action: a necessity in inertia
Faced with these atrocities, civil society calls for an international reaction, a cry of the heart which resonates through inertia often felt by those who undergo these violence. If, in the past, organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have managed to highlight similar crises, there is an urgent need for international mobilization which is not only limited to reports. It is also a need to intervene proactively to prevent other degradations.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the role of regional and international actors. Resources that could be allocated to the reconstruction of health services are often directed towards military aid or security interventions. However, as Dr. Yves Kabeya, a specialist in humanitarian crises, points out, “investing in health is investing in a stable future. The cost of inaction far exceeds that of promoting a solid health environment. ”
### Conclusion: Building resilience
The current Walikale situation is emblematic of the challenges encountered by millions of people around the world in the grip of war. If the destruction of health infrastructure may seem to be an effective short -term tactic, in the long term, it generates consequences that weaken not only communities, but also the future of a nation. As journalists, citizens and members of the international community, we have a role to play in raising awareness and activation of assistance networks that will not only make it possible to repair damage, but also to restore essential confidence between populations and their governments. The fight for justice and access to health is a universal struggle that deserves to be loud and clear.