Etymologically, conflict refers to opposition between two or more individuals whose ideas, interests, or expectations diverge. Four main types are generally recognized: conflicts of interests, ideas, individuals, and positions. Our study examines the impact of the Teke-Yaka conflict on host families in the city of Kenge, Kwango province.
The objective was to assess how this conflict has affected the daily lives of households hosting displaced persons. This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted on a sample of sixty (60) displaced persons who fled the Batéké plateau and sought refuge with families in Kenge, Kwilu province.
Among respondents, 60% were men and 40% women. The predominant age group was 26–35 years (53.3%). Most were married (73.3%). Educational levels were mainly secondary (58.3%) and primary (21.6%). Civil servants represented 46.6% of the sample. Importantly, all respondents (100%) reported having hosted displaced persons in their households.
Before the conflict, 53.3% of households comprised 4–6 members. Following the influx, most host families (60%) received between 6 and 10 displaced persons.
The study highlighted several difficulties faced by host families: child malnutrition, prostitution among young girls for survival, increased illnesses, begging and degrading small jobs among boys, as well as overcrowded housing. These findings align with prior research, confirming that such crises exacerbate social and economic vulnerabilities in host communities.
In conclusion, the Teke-Yaka conflict has profoundly disrupted family life in Kenge, creating humanitarian, social, and health challenges. Conflict remains a global issue and continues to be a pressing concern in the studied region.