FROM THE FIELD
It probably has to count as one of the most bizarre experiences in my life. I was sitting cross-legged in
Kibati camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo with a phone plastered to my ear, speaking to the BBC News Channel. I must have looked fairly out
of place, and I certainly began to attract some attention. At first from a few kids, and then from some women, and then I looked up mid-flow on a serious question and - gulp - a throng of more than 40
people were standing in a circle around me grinning and laughing.I don’t remember what the exactly the BBC question was or even how I answered, but do know that I somehow managed to
subdue the fit of giggles. The laughter began between me and the crowd when I’d finished though. And I’m with the people of Kibati on this: I must have been a pretty weird sight!It’s somewhat odd doing media interviews in the midst of a camp. When I first got the call to do it, I felt an enormous sense of guilt. Wasn’t I supposed to be helping, meeting and
learning from these people: should I really be taking external calls? Wasn’t that a bit rude? After a talk to my boss, I managed to calm my English sensibilities. I just needed to let people
know what the camp was like. And surely getting the message out is what’s needed.5.4 million people have died in Congo’s 10-year war - equivalent to the entire population of
Denmark. For too long, this conflict has simmered unnoticed and unchecked. I am glad the world is paying attention now, but do wish it could have paid attention sooner.The 7,000 people in
Kibati camp are hungry and urgently need improvements in the water and sanitation. The toilets are dirty and there is no drainage and that is really needed with Goma’s impenetrable volcanic
soil. Without it pools of stagnant water will collect, putting people at risk of water-borne diseases like cholera and dysentery. The pools are also breeding grounds for malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
This is why Oxfam is beginning work in this camp. We aim to improve the level of sanitation people are receiving.Kibati camp is on the frontline. If Congo’s violence surges again, it is
these people who will have to gather their belongings, carry their children and run. Precariously close to rebel territory and surrounded by the intimidating presence of government soldiers,
it’s not surprising that many people told me that their overwhelming need was for security. They were sick of living in banana leaf and tarpaulin shelters and of hiding in forests
when the fighting sparked up again and again. They want to go back home. It’s not certain what they will find there, but they were desperate for a normal, stable life. To cultivate fields rather
than grasping for high energy biscuits from the World Food Programme.This is why as well as doubling our emergency response to reach more than 200,000 people to keep them alive now, Oxfam is
also piling on the diplomatic pressure. We need to find a sustainable end to the violence that has plagued
Congo for so long. It might not be an easy task, but we owe it to the people of Kibati camp to keep trying.[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
