Humanitarian Crisis in Bambo, North Kivu: The Struggles of Displaced Families
Escalating Conflict and Displacement
In North Kivu, the town of Bambo is grappling with an escalating humanitarian crisis. Ongoing conflicts have forced tens of thousands of residents to abandon their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters. As a result, food shortages and strained health services are pushing already vulnerable families to their limits. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is stepping in to provide critical medical care, currently reaching about 3,700 individuals weekly. This figure reflects a staggering increase of over 40% since the start of this latest wave of displacement, underscoring the urgent need for assistance.
The Journey to Safety
When conflict erupted in her village of Rushashi, Kinoko fled alongside her husband and six children. Their escape led them through weeks of treacherous forest paths, driven by the looming threat of violence. Armed groups had seized their harvest, forcing the family to leave everything behind and lose touch with their extended relatives, leaving them uncertain about their fate.
Upon arriving in Bambo in late June, Kinoko’s family found themselves among tens of thousands of others, mostly women and children. They took refuge in a local school, one of the 24 makeshift shelters set up to accommodate those affected. The number of displaced individuals in Bambo has roughly doubled between May and July, surpassing 51,000, which now constitutes over 80% of the town’s population.
Daily Struggles and Survival
Life in the overcrowded shelters is grim. Kinoko expressed, "It is difficult to sleep because it is so crowded here. We have to go to the fields and ask local residents for manioc leaves and rotten bananas, but even then, we struggle. The kids are so hungry.” This sentiment captures the daily struggles faced by many displaced families who are left to fend for themselves amid dire circumstances.
The instability affecting the Rutshuru territory continues to exacerbate the situation. Since MSF made its last urgent appeal for assistance in June, Bambo has come under the control of the M23 armed group, which remains embroiled in conflict with other local militias. Nsaku, a 49-year-old man who fled with four family members from Birambizo, recounted the chaos, explaining, “Several houses were set on fire on the pretext that they belonged to the CMC. Given the growing insecurity, I decided it was best to leave after spending a few days hiding in the bush. I had to leave my livestock behind."
A Fragile Sanctuary
As Bambo serves as a fragile refuge for fleeing individuals, the prospects for these families returning home appear increasingly slim. The surrounding areas remain riddled with conflict, reducing the likelihood of safe return. Even the idea of going back is daunting, as many displaced individuals have faced violence and loss. In harrowing accounts, one man described fleeing after hearing bombs explode near his fields; others recounted witnessing acts of brutality, deepening their trauma.
The humanitarian needs of Bambo’s residents are staggering. Overcrowded living conditions lead to limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, essential for maintaining health. Daily necessities like cooking tools are scarce, and hunger is becoming increasingly desperate. For instance, local market prices for basic foods, like beans, have doubled, while many of the displaced can only find intermittent work, earning less than $1 per day.
Medical Challenges and Urgent Needs
MSF has been active in Bambo since 2017, emerging as one of the few international organizations providing vital healthcare services to the displaced. The number of people receiving care has surged from 2,400 to 3,700 each week at MSF’s facilities. Malnutrition rates are alarming, with occupancy in treatment wards consistently exceeding capacity. Furthermore, victims of sexual violence are frequently reported, alongside patients suffering from diarrheal diseases and respiratory infections.
The situation regarding malaria has also worsened dramatically since July, with MSF clinics recording an average of 341 cases weekly. Dwindling international humanitarian funding, notably from USAID, has severely impacted local health programs, adding strain to already limited resources. Health authorities now struggle to treat malnutrition, provide essential medical kits, and support services for tuberculosis and HIV.
Call for Comprehensive Support
François Calas, MSF’s Head of Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasized that urgent interventions are necessary beyond just medical care. Enhanced support in areas like water, sanitation, nutrition, and housing is crucial to prevent further outbreaks of disease. He stated, “MSF teams will continue to provide lifesaving medical care in Bambo, but we cannot alone meet the growing humanitarian needs of this community. It is vital that other partners step up to avoid disaster."
As the crisis unfolds, the resilience of these displaced families is continuously tested, and their survival now relies on a collective effort from the broader humanitarian community.
