Thousands of internally displaced persons fleeing eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are enduring severe hardship in Kinshasa, the capital city. Sixteen lives have already been lost due to lack of medical care and basic shelter.

The majority of these displaced individuals originated from North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, where they fled the advances of the M23 rebel group more than a year ago. Others escaped violence in Ituri province, where armed factions including the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have intensified attacks.

The plight of the most vulnerable

Over 2,600 households are trapped in a critical humanitarian situation. Many have been forced onto the streets after being evicted from churches and mosques that previously provided shelter. The crisis disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, people with disabilities, children, students, and the elderly.

“We have pregnant women, people with disabilities, children, students, and elderly individuals among us. None of them have access to healthcare, shelter, or food. Their situation is desperate,” warns Jordan Mulikuza, chairman of displaced persons from eastern provinces in Kinshasa.

Students caught in the crossfire

Students represent another severely affected group. Some fled the conflict, while others had come to Kinshasa to pursue education before violence erupted. These students now endure harsh conditions, separated from families who either fled or were killed. Jacques Chiza, their representative, describes the dire circumstances:

“We are facing extremely difficult times. Most of us go hungry. Many spend nights on the streets because we have nowhere to sleep. There is absolutely no assistance. We urgently call on anyone willing to help—this situation is alarming,” he pleads.

Calls for immediate state intervention

The death toll among displaced persons has risen to sixteen, primarily due to lack of healthcare access in the capital. Despite repeated appeals to authorities and humanitarian organizations, little progress has been made. Displaced persons are demanding immediate state intervention.

“We see new cases of illness every day. I appeal to the international community, United Nations agencies, and the government—please intervene before it’s too late,” Mulikuza urges. He adds, “We demand urgent action from the authorities to prevent further tragedy. We are sounding the alarm to the President of the Republic to act without delay.”

While displaced persons 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, stated that “their situation is recognized and under review for a sustainable solution. It is still too early to discuss this today. We will share more information when the time is right.” This indicates that no concrete decisions have been made to assist the thousands of internally displaced persons struggling to survive in Kinshasa.