Fatshimétrie: X-ray of poverty in the Democratic Republic of Congo
In the heart of Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces immense challenges, including that of poverty that is eating away at a large part of its population. According to the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the DRC, nine out of twenty-six provinces live below the poverty line. These alarming figures, revealed on the sidelines of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, highlight a reality that is often hidden, but nevertheless very present in the daily lives of the Congolese.
The case of the Sankuru province is particularly glaring, with nine out of ten inhabitants living on less than two dollars a day. This brutal reality contrasts with the situation in Kinshasa, where half of the population is also exposed to poverty. This flagrant disparity between the different provinces underlines the urgency of action to reduce inequalities and offer prospects for the future to the inhabitants of all regions of the country.
The multifaceted crises that are shaking the DRC are singled out as one of the main causes of this endemic poverty. Armed conflicts, political instability, corruption and failures of public services contribute to keeping a large part of the population in precariousness. Despite these challenges, initiatives such as the Development Program of the 145 Territories demonstrate the efforts made by the Congolese authorities to improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable citizens.
Faced with this alarming observation, it is crucial to continue and intensify actions aimed at combating poverty in the DRC. Education, health, access to drinking water, employment and decent living conditions must be absolute priorities to guarantee a better future for the entire Congolese population. On this International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, it is time to transform words into concrete actions to build a fairer and more prosperous future for all Congolese.
Poverty is not inevitable, but a challenge to be met collectively. By joining forces and implementing ambitious and inclusive public policies, we can reverse the trend and offer every Congolese citizen the opportunity to flourish and contribute to the development of their country. This fight against poverty is not only a question of social justice, but also a moral imperative for a more equitable and united society. Thus, by measuring the “Fatshimetry” of poverty in the DRC, we can better understand the issues and act decisively to build a better future for all.