The recent escalation of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has raised concerns among international and Church organizations, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
By Vatican News
The fighting in the eastern DRC has led to M23 rebels taking control of new areas, encircling parts of Goma, the capital of the North Kivu province. The militias, backed by Rwanda, are clashing with Congolese Armed Forces and pro-government Wazalendo militiamen.
Tragically, four more South African soldiers from the SAMIDRC have lost their lives in the clashes, with the fighting concentrated around the airport, now reportedly under M23 control.
Goma isolated
The situation in Goma has worsened, with the neonatal unit of a hospital and other buildings being targeted. Feeder routes into the city are blocked, leaving people trapped or fleeing to neighboring Rwanda. The suspension of humanitarian aid distribution by the World Food Programme poses a risk of severe food shortages.
Hundreds of thousands displaced
Bernard Balibuno, the country’s representative for CAFOD, highlights the vast humanitarian needs in Goma, with hundreds of thousands displaced. CAFOD is concerned about the urgent need for help for those forced to flee repeatedly due to the ongoing violence.
Doctors Without Borders staff have witnessed bombings, shootings, and looting in highly populated areas, causing panic and massive displacements.
A forgotten crisis
The conflict in the DRC has been ongoing for decades, with fears of it escalating into a regional conflict involving Rwanda. The crisis in the DRC is often overlooked, with millions of lives lost to hunger, disease, and violence.
