The Covid-19 Pandemic and its Impacts on Indigenous People Batwa of Mikeno Sector, around the Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo
Author : Bakole Y Eliode, Twinamatsiko Medard, Clementia Neema and Denyse Snelder
Abstract :
This paper aims to determine the protective measures and the impact of COVID-19 on indigenous Batwa people of the Mikeno sector around the Virunga National Park. I draw on qualitative research focusing on observation, focus group discussions and household survey. This research targeted the indigenous people, the local leaders, the Civil Society Organisations and the Park authorities. The community of indigenous Batwa people expresses concerns over their lack of participation in the nomination, but also in the decision-making process, especially concerning the management of the SARS-COV2 virus. The results revealed that indigenous Batwa people are not spared from COVID-19 and have been physically, socially, spiritually, economically, and culturally impacted. They have been doubly consequenced compared to other communities. Batwa people live on beggaring and collecting leftovers in other communities’ gardens. COVID-19 has not allowed moving freely to collect food and other items or to expose their culture and sell their products. The information about COVID is partially shared among the Batwa community, some are not completely knowledgeable to grab the message related to the Standards Operating Procedures (SOPs) to combat COVID-19. They have limited access to protective equipment. Thus, this study recommends the involvement of indigenous Batwa people in the decision-making and health management process.
Keywords :
Impact of COVID-19, pandemic, Indigenous people Batwa.
