Displaced people from Bitale live in precarious conditions in Walikale
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Actualité.cd
Families who fled fighting between the FRN and FARDC are living in classrooms at Chambucha primary school in Walikale territory, North Kivu. They lack food, suitable shelter and sanitation facilities, according to Actualite.cd.
Families displaced from the Bitale-Bulambika axis, in Kalehe territory, South Kivu, are sleeping in classrooms at Chambucha primary school, in the Waloa Loanda groupement in Walikale, North Kivu. They fled their villages because of insecurity and lack food, according to testimonies gathered by Actualité.cd.
Hygiene and sanitation conditions are also a concern, as the concentration of displaced people in school premises without suitable infrastructure could promote infectious and waterborne diseases, including diarrhoea. Several children, pregnant women and elderly people are among those exposed to these risks, according to Actualité.cd.
One displaced person said they had abandoned their home, belongings, fields and activities to save their life. Another displaced person said they were unable to feed their children regularly, according to Actualité.cd.
The situation comes after the FRN took Bunyakiri and Bulambika in South Kivu, announced on 9 November. It also follows the announcement, on the same day, of a counter-offensive by the Congolese army to retake Bunyakiri from the FRN. The capture of Bunyakiri and Bulambika in South Kivu preceded the arrival of families in neighbouring areas.
