The urgency of compensation for victims of war in Kisangani
The Association of War Victims of Kisangani (Tshopo) recently launched an urgent appeal to the authorities for the payment of compensation for its members, who have been waiting for more than two years. This critical situation directly affects the lives of victims, depriving them of the resolution of humanitarian problems and essential health care.
The association’s advisor, Deba Lolia Bolamba, pointed out during a press conference that the compensation money from Uganda, amounting to $65 million, was paid in 2022. However, since then, radio silence has persisted regarding the payment of these compensations. This prolonged wait had tragic consequences, with three victims dying in September due to lack of proper care.
The victims’ distress is all the more exacerbated by the situation of a delegation stuck in Kinshasa for more than a month. The body of a member who died on August 30 is still waiting at the morgue, while the rest of the delegation is left to their own devices, spending nights under the stars without any assistance from national or provincial authorities.
Faced with this critical situation, the Association of War Victims of Kisangani requests the personal involvement of the Head of State for the payment of compensation and also urges the return of the delegation blocked in Kinshasa, whose fate remains uncertain.
It is imperative to respond to these pressing calls for the payment of compensation in order to relieve the burden weighing on the victims of Kisangani’s wars. Resolving this problem requires rapid and decisive action by the relevant authorities to guarantee their right to compensation and enable them to rebuild their lives with dignity.
These victims deserve justice and support, and it is essential that their voices are heard and concrete steps are taken to address their precarious situation. The international community and local authorities must work together to end this long, unbearable wait and provide victims with the justice and reparation they deserve.