Cardinal Ambongo Denounces "Dehumanizing" Conditions of Displaced People in Ituri

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Kinshasa, has issued a powerful denunciation of the dire humanitarian situation confronting displaced populations in Ituri province. His visit to the Kigonze and ISP displacement sites in Bunia, which host around 30,000 individuals who have been displaced since 2019, revealed conditions he described as "dehumanizing" and "unacceptable."

Expressing a "feeling of revolt," Cardinal Ambongo conveyed his indignation at seeing families living in such undignified circumstances within their own country. He highlighted the tragic reality that this crisis has persisted for so long that some children born in the camps have never known their ancestral villages. The Cardinal attributed this ongoing tragedy to actions both internal and external to the country, issuing a strong call for accountability.

"We are all called to our responsibility. I appeal to everyone, including the international community, so that this dehumanizing spectacle can stop," he urged. This plea underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for a concerted effort to alleviate the suffering of the displaced.

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Quand je vous vois, c’est un sentiment de révolte. Il est difficile de comprendre et d’accepter que des hommes, des femmes et des enfants, dans leur propre pays, se retrouvent dans une situation déshumanisée.

The scale of displacement in Ituri is staggering, with humanitarian estimates placing the number of displaced persons at approximately 1.5 million. This figure is a consequence of recurrent armed conflicts and persistent insecurity plaguiing several territories within the province. Cardinal Ambongo assured the displaced of the Catholic Church's unwavering support and commitment to accompanying them until a durable solution is found and they can safely return to their homes.

From the perspective of Radio Okapi, a key media outlet in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cardinal Ambongo's intervention is a crucial moment. It brings national and international attention to a crisis that, while deeply affecting Congolese citizens, often receives insufficient coverage or action from the global community. His strong words serve not only as a moral appeal but also as a demand for tangible solutions, highlighting the profound disconnect between the lived realities of the displaced and the broader political and humanitarian responses.

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Nous sommes tous appelés à notre responsabilité. J’en appelle aux uns et aux autres, y compris à la communauté internationale, afin que ce spectacle déshumanisant puisse s’arrêter.