### Kisangani: a look at the conditions of the military and their families
On May 17, 2025, a mission from the Ministry of Defense was devoted to the evaluation of the social conditions of the military and their dependents in Kisangani, in the province of Tshopo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Under the leadership of Nicole Dimbala Ndona, adviser in charge of social affairs of the Deputy Prime Minister of National Defense, Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita, this initiative aims to pay necessary attention to the challenges facing these citizens often forgotten in time of conflict.
#### Humanitarian and social context
During this visit, the advisor Ndona was able to observe worrying situations, in particular those of the war wounded in the general hospital and the displaced due to the armed conflicts. These situations highlight not only the brutal realities faced by soldiers on the front, but also the devastating impact of conflicts on families who suffer the consequences.
Kisangani, like other cities affected by violence, welcomes many people fleeing brutality from sectors such as Bukavu, Goma and Walikale. Their living conditions, marked by precariousness, raise essential questions on the effectiveness of support policies for the families of soldiers and on the responsibility of the State to guarantee the well-being of those who defend the country.
### initiatives to improve the situation
The creation of a coordination intended to supervise the associations of military dependents is a step in the right direction. By structuring the actions of these groups, the government sends a message of commitment to people affected by the tear of conflicts. It is crucial that this coordination is not only symbolic, but that it has the resources and expertise necessary to truly support the families of soldiers.
The promotion of entrepreneurship training programs could also be beneficial. Offering training to soldiers’ wives in order to promote their economic autonomy could lighten part of the sufferings they endure. However, it is imperative that these initiatives be designed in a inclusive and aware of the various realities that these women can face.
#### Recognition in Milestone
The delivery of marsh -8 loincloths to the women of the military was a strong symbolic gesture. This testifies to an effort to recognize the essential role they play in the life of the military and, by extension, in the social fabric of the country. This act testifies to a desire to strengthen community ties, but it also raises the question of whether such initiatives are sufficient in the face of the complexity of the challenges encountered by these families.
#### Regards to the future
As the mission moves to Béni, it would be appropriate to question the continuity of efforts made after such visits. How will the results of these observations translated into concrete and sustainable actions? What will be the state’s response to needs that keep evolving and require constant attention?
The recognition of the challenges faced by the military and their dependents must imperatively be accompanied by a sustained commitment, a rigorous planning and a desire to collaborate with all the stakeholders. It is by establishing a respectful dialogue and by attacking deep causes that we can hope to build a more serene future for those who make the courageous choice to serve their country.
In the end, these visits are not simply moments of evaluation, but potentially opportunities to reconstruct the links between the State and those who risk their lives for security and peace. It is essential to transform listening into measurable actions to guarantee effective support for the military and their families, at the heart of the often difficult realities.