Field Notes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
What’s Happening and How are We Helping?
In January this year, fighting between rebel forces and the Congolese army escalated in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Hundreds of thousands more people were forced to flee from their homes, intensifying the long-term humanitarian crisis. More than 25 million people are now in dire need of aid.
SPOTLIGHT ON SAKE, NORTH KIVU
The situation in eastern DRC is unstable and unpredictable. When the latest conflict broke out, people that had fled from Sake village were forced to return. On arrival, they discovered that vital water and sanitation infrastructures had been destroyed.
Many people in Sake were so dehydrated and desperate that they were seeking out non-drinkable water from contaminated rivers and small springs.
When Yves Kalwira from Oxfam visited the town of Sake in March, he was shocked to find young children scooping water from a stagnant puddle. He asked one little boy what the water was for, and was told it would be used for washing, cooking... and drinking.
The boy had placed a piece of black cloth over his jerrycan to act as a filter. When Yves gently asked the boy if he was aware that the water could carry deadly diseases like cholera, his response was deeply shocking:
“I would rather die of cholera later, than die of thirst now.”
After being forced to flee from violence multiple times before, Charmante Muhawe and her family arrived at the displacement camp in Sake with only the clothes on their backs.
Life at the camp is extremely harsh. Charmante told us that most days, they don’t have a single meal. Basic items from Oxfam – including a jerrycan, a bucket and hygiene items – help to protect against dehydration and disease, but more support is urgently needed.
After being forced to flee from violence multiple times before, Charmante Muhawe and her family arrived at the displacement camp in Sake with only the clothes on their backs.
Life at the camp is extremely harsh. Charmante told us that most days, they don’t have a single meal. Basic items from Oxfam – including a jerrycan, a bucket and hygiene items – help to protect against dehydration and disease, but more support is urgently needed.
“Without sustained support, the most vulnerable will pay the price. Every action matters; every donation, every [hygiene] kit distributed, every drop of clean water saves lives and restores a sliver of hope.”
— Manenji Mangundu, Country Director of Oxfam in DRC.
We are Saving Lives in Eastern DRC
In the heart of conflict-affected eastern DRC, Oxfam is delivering life-saving support while working behind the scenes to build lasting peace. Our teams are:
Ending the Global Causes
We’re advocating globally—meeting with EU, German, and US leaders—to address the root causes of conflict.
Providing clean water to over 670,000 people, including 83,000 litres daily in Sake through chlorination.
Rebuilding water and sanitation systems under extremely challenging conditions.
Distributing food, hygiene kits, and cash, and offering hygiene training and protection services.
Confronting the Consequences
Providing clean water to over 670,000 people, including 83,000 litres daily in Sake through chlorination.
Rebuilding water and sanitation systems under extremely challenging conditions.
Distributing food, hygiene kits, and cash, and offering hygiene training and protection services.
But we need to do more
Chlorination tablets can purify water and make it suitable for drinking. A donation from you today could save children from dehydration and cholera.
Please show solidarity with those affected by this hidden emergency. Thank you
“Without sustained support, the most vulnerable will pay the price. Every action matters; every donation, every [hygiene] kit distributed, every drop of clean water saves lives and restores a sliver of hope.”
