Uvira, on May 31, 2025-The delivery of a large batch of food and essential goods to the displaced of war and victims in Uvira, in South Kivu, aroused particular attention both for its humanitarian character and for the underlying issues linked to it. This initiative, carried by the national government, aims to meet the urgent needs of populations in distress, but also raises questions regarding the efficiency and sustainability of the aid provided.
During a press briefing, the Governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, highlighted the importance of this assistance, which follows a series of pleadings with the head of state, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. The desire to mobilize international partners and to publicize the situation of the population of South Kivu on a global scale testifies to a concern for the improvement of local living conditions. However, one wonders if these efforts are sufficient in the face of a humanitarian crisis that continues.
If the intention of this humanitarian aid is laudable, it is essential to reflect on its implementation. The figures relating to the number of internal displays in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are alarming. According to certain estimates, the DRC has more than 5 million displaced people, often victims of armed conflicts or natural disasters. In this context, a distribution of basic necessities might seem inappropriate if it is not accompanied by a long -term strategy aimed at restoring the dignity and autonomy of these populations.
It is interesting to note that, as the Governor said, a visit by the Minister of Social Affairs is planned in the coming days. This raises a question of the responsibility of local and national actors in the face of this crisis. The arrival of political figures can certainly bring a renewed hope, but it can also be perceived as a symbolic gesture if it is not followed by concrete actions. The sustainability of long -term solutions depends on a systematic approach that not only includes aid distribution, but also assessing and supporting local structures.
In the speech of the Director of Deputy Cabinet at the Ministry of Human Rights, Bora Kamwanya, the emphasis was placed on the dignity of the population and the respect of human rights in time of conflict. This recall is fundamental, because it highlights the need to integrate the humanitarian dimension into a broader and more inclusive approach to the rights of individuals, even in crisis situations. The question remains: how to guarantee respect for these rights in the midst of a degrading war and living conditions? The answer requires a coalition of forces, going beyond the national government to involve international organizations, NGOs and the communities themselves.
Finally, the comments of the governor, and more broadly of the government, evoke the importance of opening a humanitarian corridor for the occupied territories. Such an initiative could actually make it possible to reach populations which, so far, were left behind. However, this requires rigorous planning and safety mechanisms that guarantee the delivery of unhindered aid, while protecting the beneficiaries.
Thus, if the delivery of essential goods to Uvira is an important gesture, it is imperative to ensure that it is not perceived as a temporary solution. Indeed, the challenge is to transform this assistance into an opportunity for sustainable structural changes, contributing to the resilience and the reconstruction of a society devastated by years of conflict and instability. Ultimately, a collective reflection on the best strategies to adopt to support the populations displaced in South Kivu could ultimately open new avenues for peace and reconciliation in this region struck by multiple challenges.