Over 2,000 Displaced People Struggle to Survive at Katanika Site

Kalemie, January 11, 2026 - Kalemie, Tanganyika Province, January 3, 2026 - More than 2,000 displaced people, who fled the conflict involving the AFC and M23 in North and South Kivu, are living in extremely precarious conditions at the Katanika displacement site in the city of Kalemie, according to local sources.

The displaced families reportedly lack access to medical care, clean water, and other basic necessities, prompting the site management to issue an urgent appeal for humanitarian assistance.

“There is no medical center or pharmacy at the site,” the site manager said. “These displaced people, whose total number is estimated at more than 11,000, are living in very poor shelter conditions, particularly during the rainy season, and are also facing severe shortages of water and food.”

According to the site management, displaced persons who fall ill are often forced to cope on their own, as access to healthcare remains extremely limited. Those who seek treatment at the Kifungo hospital are reportedly turned away, further worsening the humanitarian situation.

One displaced woman described the daily hardships faced by families at the site. “I have seven children. There is no pharmacy or hospital here. We receive no assistance. Malaria is widespread among the displaced. We have neither mosquito nets nor proper shelter. If someone of goodwill could help us…” she said.

The displaced people began settling at the Katanika site in February 2025. According to the site’s leadership, a humanitarian organization has provided tarpaulins and limited financial assistance, but these efforts remain insufficient to meet the growing needs of the population.

As conditions continue to deteriorate, calls are mounting for a scaled-up humanitarian response to prevent further suffering among the displaced communities in Kalemie.