Vital supply line aiding Congo refugees
Vital supply line aiding Congo refugees
20 February 2019
The Salvation Army are assisting refugees fleeing into the Republic of Congo, using the Congo River as a way of transporting essential supplies to hundreds of people.
The Salvation Army is providing practical, emotional and spiritual support to approximately 7000 refugees – including unaccompanied children whose parents have been killed – who have crossed the Congo River into the border settlements of Bétou and Makotipoko.
The Congo River - vital supply line for aid.
Recent conflict between ethnic groups has resulted in this large migration of people from the Maï-Ndombe region of the Democratic Republic of Congo into neighbouring Republic of Congo.
In conjunction with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Republic of Congo’s Ministries of the Interior and Humanitarian Action, The Salvation Army is working with village elders, local government officials and other non-governmental agencies.
The initial priority is on providing emergency food, bedding and protection against disease to 660 of the most vulnerable refugees. This figure includes pregnant and nursing women, people with disabilities, widows and orphaned children.
The Salvation Army has a pre-existing presence in this area but, because of the remote geography of the settlements, the supply route has involved a lengthy boat transit along the river that defines the border between the two countries. A speedboat was provided by UNHCR to assist with the delivery and distribution of relief items.
Emergency supplies for refugees.
Mosquito nets are being urgently distributed to guard against malaria and similar insect-borne diseases. Foam mattresses and blankets are also being provided, along with additional clothing items where these are necessary.
To meet nutritional needs, The Salvation Army is distributing rice, salted fish, beans and cooking oil, as well as packed meals. Hygiene issues in the temporary accommodation are being addressed through the provision of soap and buckets.
Due to a lack of suitable accommodation, displaced families are sleeping in churches, schools, markets and public buildings, or staying with host families.
Donors wishing to support The Salvation Army Africa Disaster Appeal can do so securely here.
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