In the aftermath of the joint emergency summit of African leaders in Tanzania to address the crisis caused by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in DR Congo’s North and South Kivu provinces, the Bishops and the Church continue to play a crucial role in promoting dialogue and delivering humanitarian aid.
By Linda Bordoni
For years, the Catholic Church has been a key player in providing aid and advocacy in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Amidst the recent escalation of violence in the eastern region, resulting in the death of 3,000 people and the displacement of hundreds of thousands, the Church and its partners are actively working on the ground to respond to the dire situation.
Bernard Balibuno, CAFOD’s Country Director in the DRC, emphasized the severity of the crisis. “Even before the recent conflict, there were over 400,000 displaced individuals in Goma,” he stated.
“As the rebels advanced, these camps were disbanded, leading to an estimated 600,000 people now displaced in dire conditions,” he added.
The situation has worsened with disrupted essential services, especially during the rainy season, leaving many displaced individuals without proper shelter. Balibuno expressed concern about the potential outbreak of diseases like cholera, further exacerbating the crisis.
Addressing Medical and Humanitarian Needs
Medical facilities are overwhelmed, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of injured civilians and dwindling medical supplies. Balibuno noted that even mortuaries are at full capacity.
“We are particularly worried about diseases like cholera, which could further complicate the situation,” he added.
Despite the challenges, CAFOD and its partners, including Caritas Goma and the Anglican Church, are actively providing food, non-food items, and emergency assistance.
“Thanks to emergency funding from CAFOD England, we were able to initiate our response swiftly, even before internet connectivity was restored in Goma. Our partners worked on the ground to ensure aid reached those in need,” Balibuno explained.
A hospital in Goma struggling to respond to needs
Church-led Initiatives for Peace
Aside from humanitarian assistance, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference in the DRC is actively advocating for peace and facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties.
“The Bishops’ Conference is echoing Pope Francis’ calls for an end to the violence,” Balibuno stated, noting the initiation of discussions between the government and rebel groups. These discussions are ongoing.
Goma is currently under rebel control, as confirmed by Balibuno, who emphasized the importance of impartiality in their humanitarian efforts.
“We operate with neutrality. Both rebel and government forces recognize the Church’s humanitarian role, granting us access to various areas. However, security concerns limit our reach,” he explained.
A Crisis in the Shadows
Balibuno highlighted the urgency for global attention. “While conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine dominate headlines, we have lost over 10 million lives to years of violence, with 3,000 casualties in recent days alone,” he lamented.
The humanitarian crisis is rapidly deteriorating, with far-reaching implications, including food insecurity due to disrupted agricultural activities. Urgent action is required to prevent further escalation of the food crisis.
The aftermath of fighting between government forces and M23 rebels in Goma
A Call for Global Solidarity
“We appeal for prayers, support, and awareness. The international community must not forget the people of eastern DRC. This crisis has been overlooked, but the suffering is immense,” Balibuno urged, emphasizing the human toll of the conflict.
“The 10 million lives lost are not mere statistics. These are real people, families torn apart. It is time for the world to take notice and take action,” he concluded.
