“We’re Afraid to Return Home”: Uprooted Again, Congolese Civilians Face Hunger and More Insecurity
Published: February 25, 2025, 12:00 PM, Peace and Security
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains mired in a humanitarian crisis, with escalating violence and widespread insecurity forcing thousands to flee their homes once more. A new report from Peace and Security highlights the devastating impact on Congolese civilians, many of whom are facing hunger, disease, and continued threats even in displacement. The article, titled “‘We’re afraid to return home’: Uprooted again, Congolese civilians face hunger and more insecurity,” paints a grim picture of the situation on the ground, emphasizing the persistent challenges in providing adequate aid and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.
The article focuses on several key regions within the DRC, particularly in North and South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika provinces, which have been epicenters of conflict for years. While the specific drivers of violence vary across regions, a common thread is the proliferation of armed groups vying for control of resources, territory, and political influence. These groups, including remnants of the M23, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and various local militias (Mai-Mai), regularly engage in attacks on civilian populations, contributing to a cyclical pattern of displacement.
Key Findings and Concerns:
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Renewed Displacement Waves: The article reveals that recent months have witnessed a surge in displacement due to intensified fighting. Villages have been targeted by armed groups, leading to mass evacuations. Families forced to flee often leave behind their homes, farms, and livelihoods, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The report specifically mentions incidents of villages being burned and crops destroyed, contributing to the food security crisis.
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Food Insecurity and Malnutrition: Disrupted agricultural activities, coupled with limited access to humanitarian assistance, have pushed many displaced communities to the brink of starvation. The article highlights alarming rates of malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women. The loss of income opportunities further compounds the problem, leaving families unable to afford essential food supplies. Peace and Security quotes a community leader stating, “We are eating only once a day, sometimes not even that. Our children are weak, and we fear for their lives.”
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Inadequate Shelter and Sanitation: Overcrowded displacement camps and host communities are struggling to cope with the influx of people. The article points to severe shortages of adequate shelter, clean water, and sanitation facilities. This lack of basic necessities increases the risk of disease outbreaks, including cholera, measles, and malaria.
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Increased Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV): The collapse of security structures has led to a surge in SGBV, with women and girls particularly vulnerable. Armed groups often use sexual violence as a weapon of war, further traumatizing communities and eroding social cohesion. The lack of access to justice and psychosocial support for survivors compounds the problem. The article cites accounts of women being abducted, raped, and forced into sexual slavery.
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Fear of Return: The title of the article, “‘We’re afraid to return home’,” encapsulates the deep-seated fear and uncertainty that plagues displaced Congolese civilians. Even when fighting subsides in certain areas, many are hesitant to return due to the lingering presence of armed groups, landmines, and the potential for renewed violence. The lack of security guarantees and durable solutions for reintegration further discourages return. The article quotes a displaced woman as saying, “We want to go back to our homes, but how can we when the people who attacked us are still there?”
Challenges to Humanitarian Assistance:
The article also addresses the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in providing assistance to the affected populations. These challenges include:
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Insecurity and Access Constraints: Ongoing conflict and the presence of armed groups often restrict access to certain areas, hindering the delivery of aid. Humanitarian workers face risks of attack, abduction, and theft, making it difficult to reach those in need.
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Funding Shortfalls: The humanitarian response in the DRC is chronically underfunded. Limited resources restrict the ability of aid agencies to provide adequate food, shelter, healthcare, and other essential services. The article stresses the urgent need for increased international support to address the growing humanitarian crisis.
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Coordination Challenges: The complex and multifaceted nature of the crisis requires effective coordination among various humanitarian actors. However, logistical challenges and bureaucratic hurdles can impede coordination efforts, hindering the efficient delivery of aid.
Recommendations:
Peace and Security concludes its report with several recommendations aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and improving the humanitarian situation in the DRC. These include:
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Strengthening Security: Increased efforts are needed to disarm and demobilize armed groups, restore state authority, and improve security for civilians.
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Addressing Root Causes: Addressing underlying issues such as poverty, inequality, and competition for resources is crucial for preventing future conflict.
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Protecting Civilians: Ensuring the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, must be a top priority. This includes strengthening monitoring and reporting mechanisms, providing psychosocial support to survivors of violence, and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
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Increasing Humanitarian Assistance: The international community must significantly increase its financial support to address the growing humanitarian needs in the DRC.
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Promoting Durable Solutions: Efforts should be made to promote durable solutions for displaced populations, including voluntary repatriation, local integration, and resettlement.
The Peace and Security article serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing suffering endured by Congolese civilians. The report underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated response to address the complex challenges facing the DRC and to provide hope for a more peaceful and secure future for its people. The failure to address the root causes of the conflict and to provide adequate humanitarian assistance risks further destabilizing the region and exacerbating the suffering of vulnerable populations. The international community must act now to prevent a further deterioration of the situation and to help the Congolese people build a more resilient and prosperous future.
‘We’re afraid to return home’: Uprooted again, Congolese civilians face hunger and more insecurity
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