North Kivu, a province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is affected by incessant conflicts which have led to the displacement of thousands of people, including finalist students from the Bac. The latter are currently distributed in centers located in Goma, the main city of the province, and some cannot access the out-of-session State Examination tests because of the areas under M23 occupation. Financial support has been provided by the international community, but the situation is still alarming for these students who face immense challenges to achieve their goals and fulfill their dreams.
The European Union has decided to provide humanitarian aid to the victims of the deadly floods that hit South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Jean-Marc Châtaigner, head of the EU delegation in the DRC, announced that resources such as medicine and tents for shelter would be made available to the victims. The EU will also work with the Congolese Red Cross for effective distribution. This aid comes on top of that already provided to Goma not long ago. Solidarity is essential in this time of tragedy, while a cultural evening was recently organized to promote Congolese culture. Efforts remain to be made to prevent or respond to emergency situations in the country.
Deadly floods have just hit South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving more than 400 dead and many missing. Rescuers are overwhelmed by the tragic situation and are working tirelessly to help the affected populations. The disaster is proof that the climate emergency must absolutely be taken into account to protect our planet and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo was affected by floods that caused the death of more than 50 students. The territory of Kalehe was particularly affected and several schools were affected, disrupting the administration of out-of-session state exams. The search for bodies continues and the current toll is more than 400 dead. Students and their families are traumatized. This event highlights the urgency of taking into account the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, especially children. Awareness campaigns must be carried out to support affected students and enable them to continue their education in good conditions.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing for elections scheduled for the end of the year, and a European Union electoral observation mission is expected in June to assess the feasibility of this mission. Even with challenges relating to insecurity and the food crisis, the country continues to make progress in various other areas such as electrification and cleaning up the electoral register. The Independent National Electoral Commission has successfully completed voter identification and registration operations before the external audit, the next important step in this electoral process. The objective is that these elections contribute to strengthening democracy in the country.
The organization Acting for Transparent and Peaceful Elections (AETA) has published a citizen assessment report of the 2022-2027 electoral calendar in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the report, the elections should be held on December 20. However, AETA asks for an external evaluation of the electoral roll and a distribution of seats that respects the specificities of each election. The report also underlines the importance of a legal arsenal for the elections and hopes that the CENI will continue to work to ensure the success of the elections in the DRC, which will be crucial for the future of the country.
The Kwamouth IDP camp in Bandundu in the DRC is facing an alarming situation. Since last August, 36 people have died, including a newborn baby, and two adults are believed to have died of malnutrition. Although food aid is present, the lack of adequate health care remains a serious problem. The Red Cross provided food aid to 3,040 displaced people in Kwamouth territory. Given the many problems such as flooding, insecurity, food crisis, public authorities, humanitarian organizations and international partners must intervene to meet the needs of the population.
A big challenge is launched to the finalists of North Kivu, who will take their state exam far from home because of the violence. Although the province is secured by the authorities and actions are in place to facilitate their participation, the situation once again shows the difficulties that Congolese students face in accessing education in a context of generalized insecurity. Fatshimetre.org offers an analysis of the situation with practical solutions for a more stable and peaceful Congo.
“The state of siege in the DRC: two years later, the security situation is still just as precarious”
The state of siege in the Democratic Republic of Congo, decreed two years ago in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, to restore State authority in a region plagued by growing insecurity, has showed its safety failure. The security situation has even worsened in many localities with hundreds of civilians killed, houses burned down by the militiamen. The inhabitants want the state of siege to be lifted and to review other methods likely to promote the return of peace. Although efforts are being made to improve the situation, more effective measures are needed to restore peace and security in the region.
Torrential rain hit South Kivu province, causing flooding in the villages of Bushushu and Nyamukubi. Help is mobilized and provisional reports show at least 400 dead, while 4,300 people are missing. The region is already facing many challenges, but positive initiatives are also emerging to improve the living conditions of local populations. This natural disaster highlights more than ever the importance of supporting and contributing to the reconstruction of the Kivu region.