Emergency Aid: Distribution of Cash to Displaced People and their Host Families

Location: Goma and the surrounding countryside

Beneficiaries: 49 families

Background

Since the onset of clashes between M23 rebels and government forces, the number of displaced people in Eastern DRC has surged. Over six camps around Goma are without food and shelter. Despite efforts by the government, NGOs, and other partners, the situation remains dire, with North Kivu province declared a disaster area. Goma faces severe food shortages, and displaced people in camps are critical to rural development, now crippled by economic instability.

More than 135,000 people are moving toward Goma, but the exact number remains unclear due to ongoing violence in Masisi region, preventing assistance to approximately 679,000 people displaced since December 2023. According to reliable reports, the city of Goma lacks the capacity to accommodate the influx of displaced individuals.

Initiative beneficiaries

Minova, northwest of Goma, hosts many displaced people without aid due to its challenging geographical landscape. Surrounded by Lake Kivu to the South and West, and rebel-controlled areas to the North and East, makes accessing Minova difficult. Despite these challenges, TLAfrica provided necessary aid to alleviate hunger among the displaced people in Minova.

Given the long distances and rebel-controlled areas, TLAfrica opted for unconditional cash distribution, enabling beneficiaries to purchase necessities at local markets and ensuring the safety of aid delivery. Forty nine families received aid including;  four host families, 15 displaced families in Goma Camps and 30 families of displaced people in countryside camps.

Reactions

The beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for TLAfrica’s support. They praised the organization and its leadership, hoping for continued assistance to address the pressing needs of suffering people. One beneficiary remarked, “We lack words to praise TLAfrica. May God bless TLAfrica, its CEO, directors, and partners. We will continue to pray for the ministry’s progress and development.”

Conclusion

TLAfrica collaborated closely with local churches, including KILUKU Baptist Church. Notably, Reverend Ruzabarande was instrumental in coordinating efforts, ensuring that aid reached believers and church partners in Minova.

This is the fourth distribution of aid by TLAfrica since the war began. It has supported displaced people and their host families. Despite the challenges, including insecurity, long distance and inaccessibility, TLAfrica continues to provide crucial support to those affected by the conflict.

TLAfrica, DRC Office

 June 10th 2024