**The call to declare Kalehe a “disaster territory” in South Kivu: an urgent cry for necessary aid**
The critical situation in Kalehe, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is of great concern. The provincial civil society coordination office has stressed the urgency of declaring this territory a “disaster territory” in order to address the multiple challenges it faces.
The president of the coordination office, Me Néné Bintu, stressed the gravity of the situation, particularly in the northern part of the Buhavu chiefdom, where more than 700,000 war displaced persons from Masisi in North Kivu have sought refuge. These displaced persons are occupying essential infrastructure such as schools, churches and fields, thus preventing the local population from accessing these vital resources.
The recent sinking of the MV Merdi boat and the deterioration of the Kalehe-Minova road on National Road Number 2 (RN2) have also exacerbated the crisis. The population is forced to use Lake Kivu to reach the city of Goma, which exposes residents to additional dangers.
The victims of the natural disasters of Bushushu and Nyamukubi are also in a critical situation, forced to live in precarious camps with dilapidated shelters. These populations, who depend on fishing and agriculture to survive, are facing increasing difficulties due to poverty and imposed taxes, which accentuate their precariousness.
Faced with this alarming situation, Me Bintu called for urgent intervention by the central government to support these many war displaced people. Resilience programs must be put in place to offer concrete assistance to these vulnerable populations and help them rebuild their lives.
The declaration of Kalehe as a “disaster territory” is a vital step to draw attention to this humanitarian crisis and mobilize the resources needed to address the urgent needs of the population. It is time to act decisively to provide a better future for those who have suffered so much.