Ex-combatants at the Kashatu assembly site, in Uvira territory, South Kivu, have had a turbulent week. Indeed, the latter are opposed to the establishment of the common kitchen, put in place by the Disarmament Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program (PDDRC-S) a week ago. This opposition has even led some ex-combatants to defect and return to life in the bush.
The most recent incident took place last weekend when a commander, having chosen to surrender, argued with a warehouse manager over demanding an individual food ration instead of participating in the collective meal.
To calm the situation, the head of the PDDRC-S/Uvira branch, Samuel Matabishi, decided to suspend the individual food allocation system due to some observed abuses. It was reported that some ex-combatants sold their food rations to traders, using the money to spend the day in drinking establishments before returning to the site hungry in the evening. Additionally, cases of fainting among ex-combatants have been reported.
Matabishi said the current food plan includes common cooking for all ex-combatants. Every week, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) provides PDDRC-S with a quantity of maize flour, beans, sugar and salt to feed ex-combatants in Kashatu. However, Runingu notables have expressed concerns about the insufficiency of this food, fearing that it will create insecurity in the area.
Furthermore, local sources say that many ex-combatants, who were housed on the site, preferred to return to life in the bush due to the precarious living conditions in Kashatu.
According to Samuel Matabishi, around 122 ex-combatants were registered based on data from MONUSCO and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC). Nearly 30 of them are currently visiting family and have not yet returned to Kashatu.
This situation highlights the challenges related to the reintegration of ex-combatants into society after armed conflicts. It is essential to put in place effective programs and measures to ensure their social, economic and nutritional reintegration in order to promote stability and peace in the areas concerned.
This article is an objective analysis of current events which aims to inform the reader about the latest developments in the situation in Kashatu. It also highlights the importance of finding durable solutions to meet the needs of ex-combatants and help them rebuild their lives after the conflict.