Humanitarian community in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stands ready to support durable solutions for people displaced by conflict in Tanganyika

A delegation of the Humanitarian Country Team (EHP) visited the province of Tanganyika from April 13 to 16, 2021. It met the Vice-Governor and the Provincial Government, the communities as well as displaced and relocated people. The delegation thanked everyone for their welcome and the exchanges. The importance of the provincial framework for humanitarian consultation with the authorities was underlined. The team visited projects of humanitarian partners (national NGOs, international NGOs and agencies of the United Nations system in Mushaba and Kyamusenji (Kalemie territory) and in Nyunzu.

While the situation remains fragile (persistence of acute food insecurity, protection incidents and epidemic outbreaks) and significant humanitarian needs, the delegation was able to see notable improvements in the living conditions of the populations and the potential development in certain areas. These developments are favorable to the commitment of the Provincial Government to the achievement of sustainable development objectives. In order to achieve this, it is imperative to specifically address the root causes of conflict.

During its visit to Nyunzu, the EHP delegation took stock of the humanitarian consequences of the persistence of inter-communal conflicts. “We encourage the authorities to continue and intensify their efforts to protect their populations (Bantu, Twa and other communities), resolve conflicts and ensure respect for human rights,” said David McLachlan-Karr, Humanitarian Coordinator.

As part of durable solutions for internally displaced people, it is imperative that they can make a voluntary and informed choice about their prospects. If relocation is proposed, it must be carried out with respect for dignity. The authorities should develop a plan to support the return or relocation and local integration of displaced people. The humanitarian community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo stands ready to support and participate in this planning.

"To make it possible to sustainably reduce the vulnerabilities of populations and humanitarian needs, collaboration between humanitarian, development and peacebuilding actors is essential," added the Humanitarian Coordinator. The EHP mentioned the establishment of a provincial steering committee, under the leadership of the Government to promote this collaboration and the appropriation of this approach.

The Humanitarian Country Team remains determined to pursue its mission and continue to strengthen the humanitarian response and coordination in favor of vulnerable populations as well as the collaboration mechanisms with the authorities and all the actors intervening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Cassien Tribunal Aungane, Editor