Democratic Republic of Congo: The displaced people of Kalemie

Two children run around at dusk in the Kalenge refuge camp for IDPs. Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes after fighting broke out in the province of Tanganyika in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Now, many live in camps in the city of Kalemie and its surroundings. Among them are many children, who were separated from their parents.

The IDPs at the Kalenge refugee camp live in huts made of straw. Frequent fire outbreaks often spread rapidly from house to house. The situation is similar in other camps in the region. In June alone, the Moni, Lukwangulo, Kabubili, Kateke and Katanyika camps burned down. In August, half of Kakinga camp burned down, resulting in the death of a child.

These children are in the Circle Filtsaf Primary School in Kalemie, but they are not here to learn. They were placed here after being driven out of Tabacongo in early May. Some of them suffer from diseases and malnutrition.

Employees of the medical charity Doctors Without Borders are testing for malaria in this provisional clinic. 70 to 80 percent of the population in the Kalunga refugee camp is said to be carriers of the Malaria bacteria. The doctors also treat children who are malnourished or suffering from measles.

"Our children and old people are dying," said Kisompo Selemani [In photo: 2nd from left]. The chief of the Twa people has been living with his wife and four children in Kilunga since November. The family had to leave their village when it came under attack by another Twa faction. "The government has to do something so that we can return to our villages," said the 64 year old.

Throughout the camp, there are no schools or other activities for children.

A woman sells cigarettes, flashlights and manioc with her children at the Kilunga refugee camp. Many of the displaced persons eat only one meal per day, mostly manioc flour and leaves.

While children in Mukuku play football, women transport water canisters. There is a lack of clean water. This increases the risk of contagious diseases such as cholera, which is transmitted via contaminated water.

The security situation in the region is still volatile. Many displaced people are seeking safety in and around Kalemie. To earn some money, they work on the fields in the surrounding villages or collect firewood for sale.

Life in the refugee camp is not easy. Yet, it is much better here for many of the displaced persons. Most of them witnessed serious violence before they fled. According to Doctors Without Borders, there is a desperate need for psychological care.

In the Kalonda refugee camp, 69-year-old Kabeja Kanusiki cares for her sick grandchildren. The mosquito net in the background is intended to protect them against malaria, which can be dangerous for children in particular. Altogether about 210,000 displaced persons live in about 17 non-official camps around Kalemie.