“We’re Afraid to Return Home”: Uprooted Again, Congolese Civilians Face Hunger and More Insecurity
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo – February 25, 2025 (12:00 PM EST) – The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to displace hundreds of thousands of civilians, pushing them further into precarious situations marked by severe hunger, rampant insecurity, and a profound fear of returning home. A recent surge in fighting, particularly in North Kivu province, has led to a renewed wave of displacement, leaving already vulnerable populations on the brink of collapse.
The resurgence of violence is largely attributed to intensified clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC) and various armed groups, most notably the M23 rebels. Despite repeated ceasefires and peace talks, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with reports of escalating attacks on civilian populations.
“We’re constantly running, constantly hiding,” laments Mama Zawadi, a mother of six who was forced to flee her village near Rutshuru just last week. “We left everything behind. Our fields, our homes, everything. Now we are here, with nothing. We are afraid to return home. We hear stories of killings, of houses burned, of women… of things I don’t even want to speak of.”
Zawadi’s story is tragically common. Displaced families are seeking refuge in overcrowded displacement camps and urban centers like Goma, further straining already limited resources. These camps, often lacking adequate sanitation, clean water, and healthcare facilities, are becoming breeding grounds for disease.
A Looming Humanitarian Crisis:
The consequences of this renewed displacement are dire. Humanitarian organizations on the ground are struggling to meet the ever-increasing needs of the displaced population. Food shortages are rampant, with many families forced to survive on a single meal a day. Children are particularly vulnerable, with reports of rising malnutrition rates and an increased risk of disease.
“The situation is reaching a critical point,” warns Sarah Mbaya, a spokesperson for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Goma. “We are witnessing a humanitarian crisis unfolding before our eyes. We urgently need more funding and support to provide these displaced families with the basic necessities they need to survive.”
Adding to the challenges, access to the displaced populations remains a significant hurdle. Ongoing insecurity and logistical constraints hinder aid delivery, leaving many remote communities isolated and without assistance.
Beyond Hunger: The Pervasive Threat of Insecurity:
Beyond the immediate needs of food, water, and shelter, the pervasive sense of insecurity is deeply affecting the mental and physical well-being of the displaced. Many have witnessed horrific acts of violence and are traumatized by their experiences.
Reports of sexual and gender-based violence are also on the rise. Displacement camps, often lacking proper security measures, are becoming vulnerable spaces for these atrocities. The psychological scars of these experiences will likely take years to heal.
The Quest for a Lasting Solution:
While humanitarian aid is crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the displaced, a lasting solution to the crisis requires a multifaceted approach.
- Political Dialogue: A renewed commitment to peaceful dialogue between the Congolese government and armed groups is essential to address the root causes of the conflict.
- Security Sector Reform: Strengthening the Congolese army and police force is crucial to protect civilian populations and maintain order.
- Community Reconciliation: Promoting reconciliation and healing within communities affected by the conflict is vital for long-term stability.
- Addressing Economic Grievances: Addressing the underlying economic inequalities and competition over resources that fuel the conflict is essential.
The international community must also play a more active role in supporting these efforts. This includes providing financial and technical assistance to the Congolese government, supporting peacekeeping operations, and holding perpetrators of human rights abuses accountable.
A Bleak Future Unless Action is Taken:
Without a concerted effort to address the underlying causes of the conflict and provide adequate support to the displaced population, the future for Congolese civilians remains bleak. As Mama Zawadi poignantly puts it, “We are tired of running. We just want to go home, to live in peace. But how can we go home when there is no peace?”
The plight of the Congolese people serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of conflict and the urgent need for sustainable solutions that prioritize the protection and well-being of civilians. The world must not turn a blind eye to their suffering. The future stability of the DRC, and indeed the entire region, depends on it.
‘We’re afraid to return home’: Uprooted again, Congolese civilians face hunger and more insecurity
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