Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of State for Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action, and National Solidarity, Eve Bazaiba Masudi, has called on national and international media leaders to support the government's national solidarity campaign launched on August 27, 2026. The meeting, held at the government building in Kinshasa, gathered media representatives to discuss the campaign's challenges, collaboration mechanisms, and ways to mobilize citizens, partners, and social actors to aid vulnerable populations.
Minister Bazaiba emphasized the media's strategic role in the campaign's success, stating, "I need you, I tell you openly, I need you. Without you, it won't succeed." She presented a dire humanitarian situation, with approximately 15 million Congolese requiring assistance due to forced displacements, epidemics, and natural disasters. The minister attributed around 60% of humanitarian crises to armed conflicts, with over 7 million internally displaced persons in the country.
The minister revealed that her ministry is seeking $1.4 billion to address these humanitarian emergencies, but faces a significant decline in international humanitarian funding, particularly from the UK and US. This has led to a need to diversify resource mobilization mechanisms. Bazaiba stressed the importance of initiative and creativity in securing resources, saying, "The role of a leader is also initiative, creativity, and diversifying resources now."
Minister Bazaiba aims to make the national solidarity campaign a permanent effort, engaging Congolais, individuals, companies, and partners in the country. She wants to move beyond occasional donations, stating, "As long as the problems are permanent, I have a duty to have a permanent campaign to face these problems." This campaign will involve citizens and private actors in the government's efforts, without replacing the state's primary responsibility.
The minister highlighted the crucial role of media in the campaign's success, emphasizing the need for constant and organized communication. She invited media leaders to collaborate with her ministry to develop sustainable partnerships, rather than just providing sporadic coverage of ministry activities. Bazaiba encouraged media to integrate the campaign into their programming and raise awareness among Congolais, including those abroad, and potential donor companies and partners.
The national solidarity campaign aims to address the needs of vulnerable populations, with a focus on internally displaced persons and those affected by humanitarian crises. The minister's efforts to engage the media and mobilize resources reflect the government's commitment to addressing these challenges. By working together, the government and media can raise awareness and support for the campaign.
Minister Bazaiba's initiative has been welcomed, with hopes that it will lead to increased support for humanitarian efforts in the country. The campaign's success will depend on the collaboration of various stakeholders, including media, citizens, and partners. Key points include:
Key points
- The campaign aims to provide humanitarian aid to 15 million Congolese in need.
- The government is seeking $1.4 billion to address humanitarian emergencies.
- The minister is calling on media to support the campaign through sustained coverage and awareness-raising efforts.
