Kinshasa, Drc – (African Boulevard News) – A group of flood victims in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have come out to denounce aid profiteering by the crisis management committee in charge of distributing relief items. This comes as the country continues to battle with the aftermath of May’s floods and landslides that affected several provinces.
The victims claim that the committee is embezzling funds meant for purchasing relief items and foodstuffs for the victims. Speaking on behalf of the group, Mathieu Faida, a resident of Walikale territory in the North Kivu province, said, “We have not received any support from the authorities, and the little that is distributed is given to their relatives and friends.”
The crisis management committee, which was set up in response to the disaster, is tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the distribution of aid to the affected areas. However, the victims say that the committee has failed in its mandate, leaving them to suffer in silence.
Faida further explained that, “We are left with no option but to eat leaves and poisonous mushrooms. We are living in deplorable conditions that no human deserves. We call upon the government and humanitarian organizations to come to our rescue.”
Several humanitarian organizations have been actively involved in providing assistance in the region. However, the victims claim that the aid is insufficient, and most of it does not reach the intended beneficiaries.
In response to the allegations, the committee’s spokesperson, Joel Kamanda, denied the claims of aid profiteering, stating that they are doing their best to provide support to all victims. He added that the committee is working tirelessly to address the concerns raised by the victims.
The disaster, which affected several provinces, including the Kasai, North Kivu, and Ituri regions, has left thousands homeless, with many others losing their lives. The flood victims are now calling for transparency in aid distribution and accountability from the authorities.
This latest development highlights the need for effective crisis management and disaster relief distribution structures in the DRC. With several other regions prone to natural disasters, it is vital to ensure that relief efforts are transparent, accountable, and reach the intended beneficiaries.
In conclusion, this situation is a reminder of the importance of ensuring that aid distribution reaches those in need, especially during natural disasters and crisis situations. It is crucial to have effective disaster management structures in place to ensure that the vulnerable populations are not left to suffer in silence.
