Fatshimetrie
In the troubled kingdom of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a silent humanitarian crisis rages within displacement camps, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in the east of the country. Amidst this turmoil, stories of survival, despair and hope intertwine, shedding light on the heavy toll war has on civilians’ mental health.
Nelly Shukuru, a 51-year-old woman, shared a harrowing account of her struggle for survival in the displacement camp. Torn from her home by the relentless fighting, she faced harsh living conditions, hunger and despair. Determined to end her suffering, she contemplated suicide, only to be stopped in her tracks by the timely intervention of a neighbour. Her testimony reveals the deep emotional scars left by the conflict that is poisoning the region.
In this theatre of pain, another heartbreaking story emerges. An anonymous woman, a victim of brutal rape, has sought refuge in the Kanyaruchinya displacement camp. Haunted by suicidal thoughts, she shared her ordeal with poignant honesty. Her story mirrors many others marked by unspeakable trauma inflicted by war.
The numbers speak to the growing distress among the displaced in eastern Congo. Action Against Hunger reports a significant increase in the number of people seeking psychological support, with a more than 200% increase in social assistance recipients in the camps around Goma. Suicidal thoughts have also skyrocketed, from a handful a month to more than 120, a grim indicator of the extent of the damage inflicted by the conflict.
Beyond the chilling numbers, stand mental health professionals such as Innocent Ntamuheza, a psychologist at Action Against Hunger. It highlights the extent of the psychological suffering that is rife among the displaced, underlining the urgency and growing need for adequate intervention to prevent greater tragedies.
Yet, despite the efforts of humanitarian organizations, mental health needs remain largely undermet. Lacking sufficient resources, many survivors of the conflict are left alone to face their inner demons, in an environment already weakened by violence and misery.
In conclusion, the scale of the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo cannot be ignored. Beyond the physical ravages of war lie invisible scars, psychological torments that tear at the very fabric of society. Faced with this insurmountable emotional distress, it is imperative to respond adequately and urgently, in order to offer a glimmer of hope in the darkness that assails these wounded souls.