Table 8

Root causes threatening humanitarian deployments in DRC and CAR

Root causesExamplesComments
DRCCAR
Prevailing climate of mistrust– Concerns raised by communities, particularly in the east of the country, regarding the provision of military assistance by UN forces to armed groups– INGOs expressing stress and postponing operations to avoid contact with UN peacekeepers in the presence of local populations– Promoting trust and fostering collaboration among INGOs are essential factors in enhancing the overall
Effectiveness of humanitarian deployments
– Competition generally outweighing cooperation between the majority of INGOs
Tailoring interventions to the local context and needs– Aid packages not considering local preferences, such as cassava flour instead of maize flour, or specific food items like rice and smoked fish– Vulnerability criteria not always accounting for the local age of puberty, resulting in mismatches in targeting interventions for young women– Consulting local communities ensures relevant, effective and aligned humanitarian efforts that meet the specific context and needs of affected populations
Understanding local sensitivity– Concerns were raised over the importation of maize flour from Uganda, perceived as coming from an enemy country and potentially harmful to locals' health– Some INGOs were denied access to deliver aid for not considering the religious practices of the Seventh-day Adventist Christian community, who holds worship services on Saturdays– Effectively adapting operations to the diverse backgrounds of beneficiaries is crucial for successful humanitarian interventions
 
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