A coalition of rebel groups has taken the city hostage, inflation is driving the prices of essential goods to unattainable heights and sexualized violence against women is commonplace. Connexio develop is working with the Methodist Church to help protect people in this emergency situation and enable them to live in dignity.
The population in Bukavu, the capital of the province of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is suffering. It is not only the internally displaced people who have found refuge in the city who are lacking food and essential goods. The occupied city has plunged into massive inflation. As a result, the few products that are available have become much more expensive and are unaffordable for most people.
Although the state and the rebel group M23 signed a ceasefire agreement on July 19, there is still no security for the population. The peace agreement between the DR Congo and Rwanda on June 27 does nothing to change this. Armed groups are terrorizing the population and women are experiencing massive sexualized violence.
Many people who have fled to Bukavu have still not received any support. Most of the refugees are women and children. They live with host families and in church buildings. However, many of the host families are themselves suffering under extremely difficult conditions and are unable to provide for the internally displaced persons. Devastating fires caused even more destruction on the night of July 17.
The Methodist Church is trying to help people with limited resources. In the midst of this great need, Connexio develop supports the Methodist Church in providing concrete help:
With balanced food rations, hygiene articles and essential goods, 250 households (around 2,000 people) are being reached - a drop in the ocean in view of the immense need, but a sign of hope. Special attention is paid to pregnant women, the elderly and people with disabilities. Families of military personnel who have fled are also being cared for.
The emergency aid coordinator of the Methodist Church in the provinces of North and South Kivu, Zaky KABUNGA TOTO, says that the health facilities have lacked medicines since the withdrawal of the NGO. The education system is at rock bottom. Unaffordable school fees bear witness to the collapse of the system. The city of Bukavu was long considered a stronghold of resilience. Today, the town on the shores of the southern end of Lake Kivu lies on the ground, quietly abandoned to its fate.
The east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis characterized by ongoing violence, displacement and systemic state failure. For decades, numerous armed groups - including the M23 rebels - have been fighting for control of resource-rich areas in North and South Kivu. The civilian population is paying the price.
The War is a vicious circle of resource exploitation, ethnic tensions and geopolitical interests - while the world looks the other way. Churches such as the Methodist Church provide emergency aid, but the resources are far from sufficient.
Looking away does not help. But with a donation, you can make a contribution to alleviating suffering.Â
Connexio develop supports partner organizations in various areas in emergency situations.
