Fighting Displaces thousands in DRC
The situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), continues to deteriorate as uncertainty and violence grip the region. The conflict between the M23 and the DRC forces has led to Kenya’s President, William Ruto, who is also the current chair of the East African Community (EAC), to call for a ceasefire and for a peaceful negotiated settlement of the conflict.
The President further announced that the presidents of both the DR Congo and Rwanda have agreed to attend the emergency meeting. According to our sources on the ground, gunfire echoed throughout the day in Goma and the neighbouring Rwandan city of Gisenyi. “The situation is very uncertain and very volatile,” it was reported.
In a dramatic turn of events, it was reported that the national Radio and television station was occupied by rebel forces as of yesterday the 27th of January, who issued a communiqué demanding that elements of the loyal army either surrender to MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission, or to SAMIR/DRC, a Southern African Mission for Peace in DRC. Some government loyalist soldiers and resistant patriots were forced to retreat while others attempted a counterattack in Gisenyi in Rwanda, resulting in casualties among soldiers and civilians.
Explosions and gunfire dominated the day, leaving civilians in both Goma and Gisenyi wounded. By the time of the report update, the airport remained under the control of the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), but essential services in Goma have been crippled, with no electricity, water, or internet.
Three days ago, rebels reportedly dropped bombs on a displaced persons’ camp, killing many civilians. The attack forced survivors to flee, seeking shelter in churches and schools or crossing the border into Rwanda.
“They are living in critical situations, and only God can provide them with His protection and care during this hard time.”
The crisis has reached unprecedented levels, with over 400,000 people displaced since the start of the year. Urgent needs include shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene supplies, food, and medical assistance. The BBC has also reported that escalating violence has severely impacted humanitarian efforts in the region, worsening the plight of displaced people. There is an expected shutdown of internet access nationwide in DRC, which will further complicate communication and coordination for aid organizations and residents alike.
The Association of Evangelicals in Africa (AEA) through the Evangelical Alliance of Congo remains committed to supporting affected communities and has since raised appeals to partners for solidarity, stability, peace and humanitarian collaboration. Furthermore, AEA calls all God’s people everywhere to stand with the people of the DRC in this challenging time. Scripture commands us;
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ‘This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself, (Matthew 22:37-40, NIV).
This Scripture surmises that the true Christian faith is to love God and to love His people. Let us stand in love, support and in prayer for God’s people in DRC.
