Update: Eastern Congo’s Crisis 12.23
Displaced mothers and their children - 2022- ©Un Jour Nouveau
The conflict is waning but…
Recently, M23 troops have withdrawn from the immediate area surrounding Goma. They have surrendered territory to honor a second cease-fire that was agreed upon. This has brought some peace and relief to the city, hoping that the direct threat is at bay. However, as of December 21, renewed fighting has been reported and all are on edge to see what will be the outcome. Some human rights defenders fear that this conflict will crystallize into tribal violence.
The city is still suffering…
The M23 has tightened its economic vice in North Kivu Province, keeping vital supply chain roads closed. Many businesses have closed or furloughed their employees for lack of supplies. Prices for everything continue to soar as the effects of the crisis go into the second month. Many in the city feel they may not survive this, as the conflict drags on.
The people in the camps are struggling…
The conflict has decreased but there are problems in the camps, the Nyirangongo region is hosting the largest number of displaced people and Cholera cases are rapidly increasing. The displaced living near the road leading to Goma are facing starvation, and often have to fight for the rations distributed.
“One of the most concerning things about this outbreak is that children are more exposed. The data from health authorities shows that over 77% of recorded cases are among children aged 14 years and younger, with 119 children currently hospitalized or in cholera treatment units.” - Amavi Akpamagbo, Country Director for Save the Children
In addition, more than 8,000 households who had just found refuge in Buvunga accompanied by the families, who had themselves welcomed them, were ordered on Monday, December 12, to leave Buvunga without knowing where to go, have ended up in the Nyirangongo region. They were required to leave for fear of another massacre happening.
From our staff on the ground:
“We have been able to provide food for thousands…there is still a need. There is so much need at times it can be overwhelming but we are not giving up and we are not going anywhere. There are thousands in need on our doorstep, and we must respond and continue to care.”
“Our staff has decided to spend part of Christmas in the camps. Knowing that a warm meal, a simple gift, and the presence of people who care, can make a huge impact on those facing such pain and loss.”
“We are doing everything we can on our own and in collaboration with other organizations. We have visited the camps, and continued to run programs in the city and the school. It is a difficult time but we are choosing to continue to do what the Lord calls us to do. Not allowing discouragement to stop or deter us."
What you can do to help:
Pray: Please pray that the fighting ceases and the roads are re-opened, that there is peace and prosperity in the city, and that the displaced get the funding and help they need.
Get the word out, please let people know about what we are facing in the DRC. The fighting has diminished and many believe that is in response to The West putting pressure on the involved parties. The more we share about this crisis and ask others to do the same, as awareness is built it calls those in power to act.
Host an event - a way to build awareness is to share with people through events or have one of our staff speak about the crisis at a church, conference, or another group you might know of. If you are interested in helping raise awareness through an event in 2023 please contact us at info@africanewday.org and we can discuss options.
Give - With the supply chain being severely disrupted, increasing all costs in Goma, we need more funds to continue to do the work God is calling us to do for the community and the displaced. Before the crisis, the analysis showed that DRC had the second highest number of children globally in critical need of essential services such as food, clean water, shelter, and mental health, as well as psychosocial support. Yet DRC's humanitarian response has received less than half of the funding required. Now the funding need is even higher. Please consider giving to this need. Any amount helps, thank you!
Displacedment camps outside of Goma, North Kivu Province, DRC ©2022 Un Jour Nouveau, all rights reserved.