Enough of this! Enough of this! Enough of this!
The security situation in eastern DR Congo, particularly in the province of North Kivu and the city of Goma, has deteriorated dramatically in recent weeks. Since the rebel group M23 entered Goma on the night of January 26, there has been fierce fighting between the rebels and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC). Connexio develop is supporting a peacebuilding project in the province of South Kivu. We interviewed our country coordinator Blanchard Ayinza Boke yesterday about the situation in the country.
Blanchard Ayinza Boke is the country coordinator of Connexio develop in the DR Congo. He lives with his family in Kinshasa and is experiencing many things these days that make him angry and sad. We spoke to him about this on January 29
What is the current situation in the DR Congo?
The situation is very difficult in the east of the country, particularly in North Kivu and especially in the city of Goma and its surroundings. The security situation has deteriorated and continues to escalate.
The Rebel group M23 is supported by the Rwandan armed forces (RDF). Since then, there has been fierce fighting between the rebels and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) around Goma airport. Until yesterday evening, there was also street fighting between these armed groups.
What is the humanitarian situation?
The situation is chaotic. Humanitarian organizations working in Goma have lost their logistical capacities. Many organizations such as the Red Cross warehouses in which food and other goods were stored were destroyed.
Electricity, running water and internet connections are no longer available. The population is being warned to stay at home as there is armed fighting in the streets. A friend who is currently in Goma told me that people are seeking shelter under their beds.
What is the situation in Kinshasa?
It was very tense in Kinshasa yesterday. Angry crowds demonstrated in the streets and attacked embassies of Western and some African countries in Kinshasa.
The USA, France, Belgium, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya were victims of these attacks. The embassies of Belgium, Kenya and France were partially burnt down and destroyed, while the embassies of Rwanda and Uganda were completely destroyed. This happened because of their involvement in the inefficient peace process or their diplomatic and military support for Rwanda.
Kinshasa is relatively quiet this morning, although the ruling political party (UDPS) had yesterday called for a large demonstration today. Many banks, schools, stores and shopping centers remain closed. Traffic is very light as many people are afraid of violence after yesterday's riots.
People demonstrate on the streets. What are they demanding from the governments of Rwanda and Congo?
The people of Congo want their government to fight and resolve the crisis in the east of the country. Rwanda and the M23 have killed millions of Congolese. The United Nations has reported crimes and abuses against children and women by the M23 and Rwanda reportedbut the international community remains silent about these crimes. Rwanda is not sanctioned and is even rewarded for its human and economic crimes.
The European Union recently granted Rwanda 20 million euros in military aid granted. The truth is that Rwanda is killing, stealing and selling minerals (especially coltan) in Congo to a world market hungry for the valuable minerals.
What other concerns do you have?
The citizens of Congo are calling for an end to the theft, abuse of women and children and the killing of people for minerals. They demand a fair and clean trade in minerals. Congolese citizens have been killed for three decades. Stop it! Stop it! Stop it!
The people of Congo want Rwanda to stay out of DR Congo territory and stop supporting the M23, a murderous rebel militia that is partly financed by the illegal trade in minerals.
How do you assess the situation?
The situation could worsen if no major diplomatic efforts are made. The peace process mediated by the Republic of Angola is currently blocked. The DR Congo rejects any negotiations with the rebel group and the Rwandan president did not attend the last meeting scheduled a few weeks ago in the city of Luanda.
It looks as if the solution will be a military conflict between the DR Congo and Rwanda over the M23.
What do you know about the next steps?
The rebels are now also moving towards Bukavu, the capital of the province of South Kivu. Before attacking Goma, the rebels entered Minova, a small town on the border between North and South Kivu. A rebel leader claims that the target is Kinshasa. As the situation in the area around Goma escalates, Kinshasa will face violence in the coming days.
What have you heard about our projects, has anyone been directly affected?
I am in regular contact with Ms. Rose, the current project manager of the Peacebuilding project in Uvira. The project team is safe so far and the project area has not yet been affected by this phase of the conflict in Goma.
How exactly does our project provide support?
The conflict in eastern DR Congo (which mainly comprises the regions of North and South Kivu) is complex and a Mixture of political, identity, economic and land issues. The peacebuilding project works towards peaceful coexistence between local communities
The project creates meeting spaces for members of different local communities to bring them together and improve their livelihoods in the context of poverty.
How do you feel personally, are you afraid?
I'm not afraid of the situation. I have mixed feelings. I am sad, disappointed, angry and at the same time motivated for change in the DR Congo.
I am disappointed by the silence in the face of so many atrocities and injustices in the Congo that are happening for the benefit of profit and economic interests. I wonder whether fair trade is not compatible with respect for human life.
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.
