President Félix Tshisekedi’s stronghold, the province of Kasaï-Central is experiencing more and more shortcomings. Due to the lack of roads, most things happen with bicycles. The situation is particularly pressing for the World Food Program, as the province is suffering from several types of malnutrition.
With our special correspondent in Kananga, Sonia Rolley
The latest study conducted by a partner from the World Food Program in Luiza’s territory provides 60% chronic malnutrition. That is 10% more than the average for the rest of the country. A WFP nutritionist talks about a sacrificed generation of children who will not be able to go to school and compete throughout the Congo.
In three other territories, Dimbelenge, Demba and Dibaya, acute malnutrition is the most worrying. Almost three times as many children suffer from it compared to the national average. Main consequence: the risk of death in these children is much higher.
Perhaps most surprisingly, food security in Kasai-Central is more serious than in Ituri, a province that is still largely in conflict. Nevertheless, this situation can be underestimated, as the figures need to be updated to take account of developments over the last six months.
According to employers and civil society, prices have doubled on basic necessities. And the population does not even have the opportunity to buy the meager supplies that are still on the markets.
Jean Assaka, local director of the Federation of Congo Businesses, discusses the province’s supply problems
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