Kinshasa overwhelmed by war-displaced crisis

The humanitarian crisis in Kinshasa has reached a critical point as thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) flee eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Many arrive with no shelter or access to medical care, and sixteen have already lost their lives due to these dire conditions.

Most of these displaced individuals originate from North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, having fled the advance of the M23 rebel group over a year ago. Others have come from Ituri province, escaping attacks by armed factions including the Congolese Development Cooperative (Codéco) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

Left without support

More than 2,600 households are grappling with severe humanitarian challenges. Many have been forced out of churches and mosques that previously provided shelter, leaving them homeless.

The situation is particularly dire for vulnerable groups among the displaced population.

“Among those struggling the most are pregnant women, persons with disabilities, children, students, and the elderly. They have no access to healthcare, housing, or food. Their plight is desperate,” explains Jordan Mulikuza, spokesperson for eastern DRC IDPs in Kinshasa.

Students facing impossible odds

Some students arrived in Kinshasa to pursue their education before conflict escalated, while others fled the violence. All now face harsh conditions, separated from families who either fled or were killed. Jacques Chiza, student representative, shares their ordeal:

“We are enduring unbearable hardship. Most nights, we sleep outdoors with no food or shelter. We receive no assistance whatsoever. We urgently call on anyone willing to help—our situation is desperate,” he pleads.

Demands for immediate government action

The death toll among IDPs has risen to sixteen due to lack of medical care in Kinshasa. Despite repeated appeals to authorities and humanitarian organizations, no significant support has materialized. IDPs are now demanding immediate state intervention.

“Every day, we see new cases of illness. We sound the alarm to the international community, UN agencies, and the government to intervene. Authorities must act before the situation spirals further out of control,” warns Jordan Mulikuza. “We are calling on the President to take urgent action.”

While IDPs have requested relocation to designated sites for better access to aid, Théogène Nkundiye, advisor to the Ministry of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action, and National Solidarity, states that “their situation is acknowledged and under study for a sustainable solution. A decision cannot be made at this time; details will emerge when appropriate.”

For now, thousands of internally displaced persons continue to survive as best they can in Kinshasa, with no clear path toward assistance.