Latest news with #RépubliqueDémocratiqueDuCongo
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Supporting flood-affected populations in Democratic Republic of Congo to recover
Salima, a mother of four, was severely affected by the floods that hit Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in April 2025. She had previously fled violence and insecurity in the country's eastern provinces to seek refuge in Kinshasa 'A few days after I arrived, the rains caught us by surprise. We lost everything. The entire neighbourhood was heavily flooded. People had to flee to seek refuge elsewhere.' Many of the flood-affected Kinshasa residents were provided with temporary shelter in Kinkole, a neighbourhood in Kinshasa where the government set up a site. More than 100 families were relocated to the shelters. With ambulances mobilized under the World Health Organization's (WHO) SURGE system – a mechanism project for public health emergency preparedness and response – many patients, including pregnant women, were transferred promptly to referral health facilities, ensuring timely and appropriate care. 'Less than 24 hours after the disaster, we were on the ground for a rapid assessment of the situation,' said Dr Guy Kalambayi, Emergency Preparedness and Response Officer with WHO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 'We helped set up a care unit with the minimum resources needed to relieve the population. Our responsiveness was greatly appreciated by the communities, both in terms of addressing their immediate needs and safeguarding their health.' WHO supported the health authorities to develop public health situation analysis, provide health services to those affected, assess the health needs and provide safe drinking water to the displaced and the households hosting them. By June 2025, more than 5000 people were still living at the Kinkole site, out of the over 10 000 people affected by the floods in the sprawling capital city and its surroundings. Over than two months after the devastating floods that affected at least five major cities in the country, the authorities, supported by WHO and partners, continue to assist those affected to recover from the disaster. In total, about 1.5 million people were affected across the country by the floods, which also damaged more than 200 schools, over 100 health centres, as well as houses and markets. WHO provided essential medical supplies, including emergency medical equipment, to cover the health needs of 10 000 people for three months. WHO also supplied four tents for emergency shelter. 'With access to health services disrupted by the disaster, it is critically important to care for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities or chronic conditions who require regular care,' says Dr Kalmbayi. The authorities launched emergency efforts to repair damaged infrastructure and mobilize teams to coordinate humanitarian assistance. In Kinkole and elsewhere, the government and its partners are taking measures to ensure appropriate and dignified living conditions, providing continuity of health services and care, including vaccination and psychosocial support. 'We needed safe shelter, water and food. That's what we received, not to mention the care we received with free medicines,' says Albertine, a medical student in Kinshasa affected by the disaster. For Dr Emilia Sana, Flood Incident Manager at the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare, the coordinated response to the floods 'marks a turning point towards a more effective multisectoral framework for our efforts, bringing key ministries together at the highest level.' WHO and partners continue to support the government strengthen outbreak prevention measures, including securing the supply of safe drinking water, sanitation and reinforcing of community-based disease surveillance systems. 'We may have lost all our material possessions, but we are still alive and in good health. That's what matters,' says Salima. The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains vulnerable to climate-linked disasters. Off-season rains in June, for instance, claimed at least 29 lives in three districts of Kinshasa, with more than 500 households affected. 'One of the key takeaways from this emergency, both in Kinshasa and other provinces, is that there is power in collaboration, particularly in managing potentially epidemic diseases and chronic conditions, thereby ensuring continuity of care. WHO's support through providing medicines to the affected communities has been invaluable,' says Dr Sana of the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Democratic Republic of Congo.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
In Ituri, authorities and armed groups seek to reinforce the 2023 peace accord
In Aru, a new round of peace talks is building on earlier efforts to bring stability to Ituri province. The dialogue, known as 'Aru 2', brings together authorities, armed groups, local leaders, and civil society to reinforce the process launched in 2023. That previous initiative, supported by MONUSCO, led to the signing of a peace protocol by several armed groups including CODECO, ZAIRE, FRPI, FPIC, TCHINI YA TUNA, and MAPI pledged to cease hostilities and work towards peace, security and cohesion in the province. Their commitment to end hostilities resulted in tangible gains: displaced families returned home, local markets reopened, and roads such as the Nizi-Mongbwalu route became passable again. This new round of discussions aims to safeguard and expand those gains . At Aru, the participants now intend to build on these achievements. For five days, they will review the commitments made in 2023. " Aru 1 was half a success. Not all commitments were met, but progress was made," says Firmin Kone Massagnou of MONUSCO's Civil Affairs section. Renewed Expectations Over the course of five days, participants are reviewing past commitments and negotiating a new ceasefire. " We must also restart socio-economic activities to support the lasting return of displaced communities." said Massagnou. Civil society representative Jean-Marie Ezadri urged local leaders to encourage fighters to disarm and join the national reintegration programme (PDDRC-S). Sarah Muderwa, from Synergie des jeunes filles de l'Ituri, said she hoped this renewed engagement would help stop sexual violence. Another priority is the return of traditional and administrative authorities to their communities, seen as essential for restoring local governance. At the launch of the talks, General Antoine David Mushimba, commander of the 32nd military region, appealed to armed youth to embrace peace. MONUSCO reiterated its commitment to supporting this process alongside national institutions, in line with its mandate to protect civilians. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mission de l'Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).
Times of Oman
12-05-2025
- Climate
- Times of Oman
At least 100 dead as floods hit eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Kinshasa : At least 100 people have died in floods that swept through the Fizi territory in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, overnight from Friday to Saturday, the provincial government confirmed on Sunday. Torrential rains triggered flash floods in the locality of Kasaba, destroying approximately 150 homes, according to a provisional toll. The provincial government expressed deep concern over the heightened risk of waterborne diseases, respiratory infections, and malnutrition amid ongoing heavy rains.
