The rebel group M23, which is supported by Rwandan soldiers, captured Goma at the end of January. Bukavu followed in February. Over 3,000 people were killed and injured as a result. The last three years of conflict between the government and M23 led to the displacement of 6.5 million people.
We support an emergency aid project of the Methodist Church in Goma. This provides assistance to 190 vulnerable families who have sought refuge in local churches or with host families. The focus is particularly on pregnant women, elderly people, households without parents and people with limited mobility. The households receive essential food and daily necessities.
Despite the violence, the team led by country coordinator Blanchard Ayinza Boke is maintaining the peace project in Uvira. His assessment:
"Since the conquest of Goma and Bukavu, crime and hostilities have increased. People report daily of massacres, rapes, human rights violations and abductions by M23 troops."
Uvira is not yet directly embattled, but people are living in fear of imminent violence. Many have fled from rural areas and the city is overcrowded. Food and water shortages are exacerbating the hardship. Schools are open again, but parents are reluctant to send their children for fear that they will be recruited by M23 troops.
The team members of the peacebuilding project met with mediators from the church in March. Until June, the focus is on peace campaigns and the inclusion of people with disabilities. Intercommunal cooperation is also to be strengthened where possible.
"Whether in Bukavu or Uvira, life is chaos. Every day we are afraid and don't know what will happen tomorrow. The future is uncertain",
War is not an obstacle
Despite the crisis, we continue to work for peace and reconciliation. The peacebuilding project of our partner church in Uvira creates meeting spaces for hostile communities and improves people's livelihoods.
Our solidarity is needed more than ever!
Our emergency aid project supports 190 particularly vulnerable families - including pregnant women, single people, the elderly and people with disabilities. They find shelter in churches or host families and receive essential food and hygiene products.
Connexio develop, Zurich, CH44 0900 0000 1574 7157 9, reference "Emergency aid DR Congo".
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Working together for the good of all:
We contribute to a peaceful and just world for all people.
