Emergency fundraising
Emergency in Idjwi
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DRC - Rwanda:
A proxy war
Since late January, M23 rebels have seized control of Goma in eastern DRC. They are continuing their advance toward Bukavu, threatening Kinshasa, the capital. The UN accuses Rwanda of supporting these rebels, a charge Kigali denies. The conflict, rooted in ethnic tensions, is exacerbated by the plundering of Congo's strategic minerals, essential to the technology industry. The humanitarian situation is catastrophic: 6 million deaths in 30 years and millions displaced. The international community remains powerless in the face of the escalating violence.
February 5, 2025 - 4-minute read
Humanitarian Emergency in Idjwi: Critical Situation of Displaced Persons
Since the start of the violence in North Kivu province and the Kahele territory in South Kivu, a massive influx of displaced people has sought refuge on Idjwi Island. Local authorities and community leaders estimate that 29,402 people have already arrived.
Currently, 11 sites have been set up to accommodate these displaced people, spread across 5 health zones. However, many of them are staying with host families in precarious conditions. The humanitarian needs are enormous, affecting all aspects of life, from health to education, particularly for young people in their final year of secondary school.
Inventory of Fixtures
To date, no significant assistance has been provided to these displaced people, who live in a state of extreme vulnerability. The only supplies received consist of a few water purification tablets and oral rehydration sachets provided by the central office of the health zone, as well as free healthcare at health centers.
Key points of the situation:
Inadequate shelter: No adequate structures have been put in place to house displaced people. The majority spend their nights outdoors, exposed to the elements, particularly during this rainy season. This leads to overcrowding in places such as classroom hallways or churches, increasing the risk of sexual violence. Respiratory illnesses are also prevalent.
Food insecurity: The lack of food assistance endangers children, pregnant women and the elderly, exposing them to an increasing risk of famine and a deterioration of their nutritional status.
Alarming sanitary conditions: No latrine system has been established, except for a hole dug by the Red Cross, which does not meet hygiene standards. Hygiene conditions are catastrophic, exacerbated by the lack of access to drinking water. The two available water points near the lake do not provide treated water, and many displaced people lack containers to store it.
Women's hygiene: The menstrual hygiene situation for women and girls is disastrous. Testimonies report mothers using pieces of clothing as sanitary protection, exposing them to infections due to the lack of water and soap.
Impact on education: Students, especially those in their final year, are in the middle of exams, which further complicates their situation.
Limited medical mobility: The ambulance for transporting the sick and pregnant women is running out of fuel, making it difficult to access necessary care.
Despite these challenges, some actions have been taken:
A census of displaced persons and coordination meetings were carried out across the entire health zone to better assess needs and seek possible solutions.
A 5000-litre tank has been made available at the Bunyakiri centre, but transport remains a problem.
Sanitary supplies, such as boxes of Aqua Tabs and oral rehydration sachets, were distributed at some sites.
Conclusion
The situation in Idjwi requires immediate and coordinated intervention from humanitarian actors to meet the urgent needs of displaced people. Food assistance, access to clean water, adequate shelter, and healthcare must be prioritized to mitigate this humanitarian crisis.
MMS is in regular contact with Dr. Nkemba, director of the 41 existing health facilities in Idjwi. Thanks to the generosity of several MMS supporters, 6,500 euros have already been sent to the area so that community health workers can address emergencies, primarily involving pregnant women and children.
A huge thank you!
Let's continue this wave of generosity, make a donation!
January 27, 2025 - 3-minute read
APPALLING & UNACCEPTABLE!
For the past week, the security situation in eastern DRC, especially in Goma and its surrounding areas, has deteriorated significantly. Bombings have caused casualties – including children – and destroyed numerous homes.
This crisis has triggered a mass exodus of its population. Sadly, Idjwi Island has not been spared. This well-known haven of peace, located in the heart of Lake Kivu and home to nearly 340,000 inhabitants, is seeing its population swell daily with these numerous displaced people.
The day before yesterday, I accompanied a small association of women and midwives to the Bugarula market. Hundreds of families were arriving by canoe, their eyes filled with fear. To date, there are already more than 40,000 displaced people. The existing food crisis is worsening daily in Idjwi. Malnutrition affects one in two children, and it is in this very area of South Kivu province that malnutrition rates are highest.
Churches, schools, and homes are welcoming and showing exemplary empathy towards these displaced families. Let us not remain indifferent! This humanitarian crisis surpasses anything we have ever seen. It is crucial that everyone remembers that even war has rules.
(Em. Lampaert, MSF representative in the DRC)
Given the scale of the fighting, my stay has come to an end. I return home with a heavy heart and I can't help but reach out to you again!
Be generous, make a donation! (tax deductible).
This emergency fund will help support women's solidarity groups. These groups will help these new families integrate into the village communities.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
- Clear
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BE48 5230 8158 1927