Fatshimetrie: Displaced people in Goma demand better food allocation
The situation of displaced people in the region of the city of Goma, in North Kivu, raises serious concerns about the quality of the humanitarian aid granted to them. It was in the Lushagala and Bulengo camps that displaced families from the territories of Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo expressed their dismay last Tuesday at the insufficiency of resources allocated to meet their basic food needs.
In a heartfelt cry issued during the visit of the Deputy Executive Director in charge of UNICEF humanitarian actions, these displaced people pleaded for a significant improvement in their food ration. Originally from villages where they were independent and could grow their own food to feed themselves, these people today find themselves unable to cover their essential food needs.
The current distribution of food appears to be irregular, or even non-existent for two months, thus accentuating the precarious living conditions of the displaced. They testify that the food provided does not correspond to their eating habits and that the monthly ration of twelve kilos of wheat flour, although well intentioned, remains insufficient to meet their nutritional needs.
In addition, the amount allocated monthly per household, i.e. 36,000 Congolese francs (approximately 13 USD), only allows for a paltry daily ration of 1,200 francs, which is clearly insufficient to ensure adequate nutrition for these families in distress. This low amount pushes some displaced people to resell the flour received at a low price to obtain additional funds to buy foodstuffs more suited to their needs.
Faced with this critical situation, it is imperative that the competent authorities as well as humanitarian organizations take into consideration the legitimate demands of the displaced and increase the food allocation to guarantee adequate food security for these vulnerable populations. It is essential that concrete measures are taken quickly to improve the situation and respond to the urgent needs of the displaced people of Goma, who aspire to food assistance more adapted to their realities and their fundamental rights.