Since the occupation of Bukavu in mid-February, the situation in South Kivu has worsened daily. In this region, we run several humanitarian and development programs. From Kalehe to Uvira, passing through the high plateaus, fighting continues to flare up in our operational areas, directly impacting our beneficiaries and their communities.

Reporting from Bukavu, Richard Maisha Barhabula, coordinator of our humanitarian programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is deeply concerned about the situation. “The information we receive from our monitoring committees indicates enormous needs. Over the past few weeks, more than 90,000 people have arrived in the Lemera health zone, where we have been providing humanitarian aid since November 2023. These people have fled from the most horrific conditions and arrive here without a penny to their name,” explains our colleague.

Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium is active in South Kivu, from Kalehe to Uvira via the high plateaus, which are currently affected by bloody clashes.

Our local contacts report numerous crimes: rapes, violence and torture, as well as victims of stray bullets or bombings. Additionally, there are many reported drownings in the Ruzizi River, the crossing point to neighboring Burundi.

A surge in essential needs

The needs among the population are overwhelming, particularly regarding shelter and food. “Many families have lost their homes due to shootings and bombings and were forced to abandon their lands overnight,” continues Richard Maisha Barhabula. With water supplies often destroyed or inaccessible, the risk of epidemics is increasing rapidly. The first cases of cholera have already been identified in the Ruzizi plains.

The situation is grim for both those fleeing and those attempting to return to their villages. Even in the areas that have been spared so far, some families are beginning to sell their belongings out of fear of looting and potential forced displacement. “All these people urgently need help,” our colleague emphasizes.

Help us to act as soon as possible

The teams of Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium are preparing to intervene as soon as possible to help the thousands of families affected by the conflicts in South Kivu.

The teams of Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium are preparing for a quick response to help the thousands of families affected by the conflicts in South Kivu.

We are preparing to act swiftly and initially aim to assist more than 200 affected families. As soon as the security situation allows, our teams will distribute essential household supplies. Our aid packages include kitchen utensils, tarpaulins for temporary shelters, sleeping materials and hygiene kits.

However, we currently lack the resources to meet the enormous demand and are exploring all possible ways to raise the necessary funds. Now more than ever, donations are welcome to help us assist as many people as possible.

Make a donation here to provide kitchen utensils for displaced people.