Bunia Residents Demand Compensation Amidst Airport Expansion

The residents living near Bunia's airport in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo find themselves in a state of constant anxiety and precarity due to the ongoing airport expansion project. A group of 252 households has voiced their demands for compensation, highlighting the dire situation they face as their homes are increasingly threatened by the infrastructure development and the constant air traffic.

While the initial phase of the expansion, carried out by the Mont Gabaon company, did include compensation for some residents, those living beyond the initial 2,500-meter zone have been left in limbo. The company no longer considers itself responsible for further compensation, leaving these families in a desperate situation. The proximity to the runway poses significant risks, with residents forced to seek shelter inside their homes during aircraft takeoffs and landings, and many roofs have already been damaged by the powerful downdraft.

In response to their plight, the affected families organized a peaceful demonstration, culminating in the submission of a memorandum to the provincial governor's office. They seek compensation to enable them to relocate and escape the constant danger. The provincial government, through its legal advisor Aimé Lobi, has acknowledged the situation and assured the families that they are working to identify a suitable relocation site, emphasizing that no one will be forcibly evicted without an alternative.

However, the residents are pressing for an accelerated process. Their daily lives are dictated by the fear of demolition and the physical risks associated with living so close to an active airport. This situation underscores a common challenge in development projects within the DRC, where infrastructure growth often comes at a significant human cost, and the affected communities bear the brunt of displacement and environmental disruption without adequate or timely redress. The urgency of their situation demands swift action from the authorities to ensure their safety and provide a dignified solution.

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The downdraft from the planes affects us enormously. With every passage, we are forced to take refuge inside (homes). Several roofs have already been carried away by the wind. We demand compensation to be able to leave this place.