Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Goma (Agenzia Fides) – There seems to be a break in the fighting in North Kivu (eastern Democratic Republic of Congo) taking place between the Congolese army and rebels led by Laurent Nkunda, who have concentrated their presence near Kanyabayonga, 100 km from Goma, the capital of the province. Kanyabayonga is considered a strategic locality, because it is where the main roads of North Kivu converge.
The MONUC (the UN mission in Congo) has now said that it has reinforced its own military presence in Goma and in other local towns in the province, in order to separate the fighting parties and protect the people living in the refugee camps.
Bishop Faustin Ngabu of Goma sent Fides a message in which he describes the serious humanitarian crisis created in August, when the hostilities broke out once again. The Bishop recalls the terrible moments of October 29, when the rebels were entering Goma and “it was impossible to live in the city, with gunshots and canon blasts all over the place.”
“The consequences of this situation are difficult to evaluate, because the damages are indescribable, and often unknown, whether they be material, corporal, or psychological,” writes Bishop Ngabu.
The Bishop of Goma mentions the most serious situations in the city: the growing number of people dependent on external aid in order to obtain food; the difficulty in providing for all the people, due to the scarcity and the rise in the costs of basic necessities; the closure of the clinics due to the healthcare workers on strike, the pharmacies that have been looted and the lack of medicine. In spite of these difficulties, the Bishop thanks the many families that continue to host refugees in their homes. The Bishop also says that the diocesan Caritas association has increased its efforts to help the population.
Bishop Ngabu firmly condemns the use of violence against women, which is “a manifestation of a shameful culture that unfortunately is becoming more widespread in our society. Where does this wicked practice of committing violence against our sisters and mothers come from?”
Calling for a peaceful resolution, founded on the truth and good will on the part of all, Bishop Ngabu concludes by thanking Pope Benedict XVI, who “has shown his spiritual closeness towards all the men and women of our region who are living in difficult situations.” (LM) (Agenzia Fides 14/11/2008)
