DRC Child Protection Alert Kasumbalesa, Haut-Katanga

Project title: Child Protection Alert – Kasumbalesa, DRC

1. Project identity

• Sender: Irenge Bicera Emmanuel, Human Rights Defender, Centre Nouvelle Page (Canada / DRC)

• Location of concern: Kasumbalesa, Entré le Mérite neighborhood, near Le Parfait 2 School Complex, Haut-Katanga Province, DRC

• Context: Note issued to authorities and protection partners regarding serious and urgent child rights concerns observed locally

1. Affected children

• Four minors from a single household, currently experiencing parental separation and presumed abandonment:Martin Cibungoyi, male, 7
  Masengo Nadine, female, 6
  Mbazau Mbaza Marie, female, 4
  Rosette, female, 2
  

1. Alleged facts

• Maternal abandonment: mother reportedly left the home, leaving children without supervision or clear information about a possible return

• Paternal neglect and absence: father living irregularly at home and not fulfilling responsibilities, exposing children to insecurity and abandonment

• Grave violence: on December 19, 2025, Martin Cibungoyi (7) allegedly burned on the leg by his father, a suspected act of serious physical violence

• Denied education and basic support: all four children reportedly lack access to education and basic social or school support

• Extreme risk: one boy is directly subjected to physical harm; three girls live in severe neglect without effective parental protection

1. Immediate consequences and risks

• Exposure to physical and psychological abuse

• Severe health and survival risks, including Rosette (2 years)

• Prolonged deprivation of the right to education

• Significant risk to overall development with potential irreversible harm

1. Nearby witness / contact person

• Name: Mr. Amos Nyange

• Relationship: Landlord of the family residence

• Contact: +243 990 730 119

1. Available evidence

• Photos of the four children are available and can be shared with competent authorities in full respect of the child’s best interests, confidentiality, and human dignity

1. Urgent requests

• Immediate opening of an investigation by competent authorities

• Urgent protection of the children, including medical, psychosocial, and safety support

• Assessment of parental responsibility in line with the law

• Immediate access to education and basic supervision

• Effective involvement of social, judicial, and child protection organizations

1. NGO commitment

• Centre Nouvelle Page reaffirms its commitment to:fully cooperate with authorities and child protection partners
  monitor cases until the children’s rights are restored
  ensure confidentiality and dignity of the child victims
  

Signed and dated: Kasumbalesa, 31 December 2025