Kinshasa: appeal to authorities to care for elderly people

Kinshasa, October 1^st, 2025 (CPA).- An appeal has been made to the authorities and humanitarian organisations to care for the elderly, who are often marginalised, during a visit to an old people’s home on Wednesday in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons. ‘The elderly are the guardians of our collective memory and the pillars of our communities. They deserve regular care, daily support and genuine consideration from our leaders,’ has declared Maria Mobari, president of the foundation that bears her name. She has deplored the lack of access to appropriate care faced by the elderly, including insufficient food, inadequate housing, loneliness and a lack of physical activity. The situation observed at the Kabinda nursing home perfectly illustrates these challenges, she has said. ‘Investing in the cause of the elderly means preparing for your own old age. They are human beings in their own right, who deserve our love, support and protection. Together, let’s say no to all forms of discrimination against the elderly,’ she has added. In addition, Ms Mobari has reminded that her association has organised charitable activities and professional and socio-economic training courses to enable beneficiaries to achieve a certain degree of autonomy. It should be noted that the Maria Mobari Foundation (FMM) has been created on February 9th 2022. Its mission is to help vulnerable and disadvantaged people, particularly orphans, elderly women, widows and young single mothers, with a view to promoting the social and economic empowerment of the Congolese people. The foundation has a dozen objectives, including raising awareness of child protection laws, promoting female leadership, maternal and child protection, and combating malaria and other infectious diseases. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990, the International Day of Older Persons is celebrated every October 1st with the aim of promoting respect for the rights, dignity and value of older persons in society.