Did M23 give the internally displaced people an ultimatum of 72 hours to Leave Their Camps ?

The leaders of the Mugunga and Nzulo camps for displaced persons are concerned about the ultimatum given to them by the Congo River Alliance (AFC)/M23 regime. They must leave their camps within 72 hours. The displaced persons will have to return to their places of origin, according to information gathered from concordant sources.

This situation deeply worries the president of the Karisimbi civil society, Christian Kalamo, who was alerted by the representatives of the displaced persons.

According to Christian Kalamo, the return of these populations to their villages is practically impossible in the current state of affairs. "During the war, several houses were destroyed and these localities are nothing more than bush, particularly in Rutshuru, Shasha, Malehe and Bashali Mokoto. In addition, the roads leading to these villages have become impassable,” he explains.

A return fraught with pitfalls

Leaving Mugunga for Rutshuru, Bwiko or Kitchanga requires enormous efforts and resources that the displaced persons do not have. “We are launching an urgent appeal to the national government in Kinshasa, to international and national organizations so that they guarantee the safety of these populations. If they must leave the camps, it must be done with dignity,” insists Christian Kalamo.

Beyond the logistical challenges, mortal dangers await these displaced persons in their villages of origin. “Some places are still infested with explosive devices, abandoned weapons and ammunition. Sending them back to these environments is exposing them to certain danger, especially children,” he warns.

Faced with the emergency, Christian Kalamo calls for the responsibility of the Congolese government, humanitarian organizations, SADC, EAC, the European Union and the international community. "These displaced people are neither prepared nor able to ensure their own return. Giving them only 72 hours to evacuate is inhumane. A minimum of respect for human rights is essential," he insists.

While uncertainty hangs over the fate of these thousands of families, it is now the responsibility of the national and international community to face up to its responsibilities to avoid an additional humanitarian crisis in this region already tested by years of conflict.