Nurses in South Kivu have gone on strike demanding to be paid salary arrears of over 18 months.
Mobilised under the ‘Nurses union’, the nurses resorted to strike after their demands were un answered.
Mapigano Yumbe Moïse, spokesperson for the union said, “We have decided to no longer transmit any reports (weekly, monthly or specific for partners), to no longer provide minimum services in our structures, and to no longer participate in the various training courses, as long as the government remains indifferent to our demands,” the nurses’ union stated.
“We are demanding 18 months of unpaid wages as well as other benefits,” said nurses participating in the movement.
The strike has been ongoing since November 3rd causing massive disruption of healthcare services in the province which is also enduring a war between M23/AFC rebels and government forces.
Despite the consequences of this strike on the population, nurses affirm that they will strengthen monitoring committees within healthcare facilities in order to document any potential intimidation against their colleagues and to support those who have been victims of theft or other incidents related to the situation.
