Title: Living in makeshift shelters: the harsh reality of displaced people in the Shabindu-Kashaka camp
Introduction :
At the Shabindu-Kashaka displaced persons camp, in the North Kivu province, hundreds of households live in extremely precarious conditions. These newly displaced people fled the fighting between local armed groups and M23 rebels, and now find themselves homeless, facing destructive bad weather. In this article, we will explore the difficult situation these displaced people find themselves in, as well as the efforts of the organization Médecins Sans Frontières to help them.
The challenges of living in a makeshift shelter:
The displaced people of Shabindu-Kashaka are forced to live in makeshift shelters, built with the means at hand. Difficult weather conditions, including heavy rains, make these shelters vulnerable and precarious. The story of Sifa Bonane, one of the displaced people, testifies to the determination and ingenuity they must demonstrate to survive. With the help of her neighbor, Sifa tries to rebuild her shelter using a simple kitchen knife and pieces of loincloth. Despite their lack of construction knowledge, these women demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.
The call for help from Médecins Sans Frontières:
Faced with the critical situation of the displaced people of Shabindu-Kashaka, Médecins Sans Frontières/France (MSF) took the initiative to intervene. The organization distributed tarpaulin kits to more than 1,700 households to provide them with temporary shelter. However, Jacob Granger, emergency coordinator at MSF, stresses that more help is needed. In addition to the lack of shelter, these displaced people also need food aid to meet their basic needs. It is therefore crucial that other humanitarian actors mobilize quickly to alleviate this worrying situation.
Conclusion :
Life in the makeshift shelters of the Shabindu-Kashaka displaced persons camp is a real challenge for these families who were forced to flee the fighting. The lack of resources and difficult weather conditions make this situation even more precarious. Fortunately, organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières are helping, providing temporary shelter and appealing for help from the humanitarian community. It is essential that we do not turn our backs on these displaced people and that we support them in their quest for security and dignity.