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As calm returns to Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a ceasefire declared by M23 rebels, the aftermath of recent conflicts is becoming apparent. Residents have begun burying the dead while aid agencies work to assist thousands of displaced civilians now seeking refuge in churches and schools.
The Congolese bishops expressed their concern over the situation on February 3, offering support to local pastors and those who lost loved ones. They reiterated their call from January for peace and unity, urging people to prioritize "Peace and Living Well Together."
The M23 rebels agreed to a ceasefire starting February 4, allowing humanitarian agencies to address the crisis. The group also halted its advance toward Bukavu, South Kivu's capital. In Goma, locals are reportedly burying up to 2,000 bodies of those killed in the fighting.
The United Nations has confirmed at least 900 deaths and over a million displaced individuals due to the conflict. Many victims were women and children fleeing villages as rebels approached Goma.
On January 27, reports emerged that March 23 movement rebels claimed control of Goma after battling with the Congolese army (FARDC). The city serves as a humanitarian hub for North and South Kivu provinces.
Archbishop Fulgence Muteba Mugalu of Lubumbashi, president of Congo’s bishops’ conference, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “the situation is so serious and the emotions so intense that they have required us to take a moment of silence to better understand the shape (of things) and discern the future prospects.”
In his February 3 statement, Archbishop Mugalu highlighted significant loss of life, looting in Goma and surrounding areas, and increased displacement amid ongoing regional conflicts.
“When one member suffers, the whole body suffers," said Archbishop Mugalu. He assured affected communities of spiritual solidarity during these challenging times.
Pope Francis called for an end to hostilities on January 29, advocating for civilian protection in Goma and nearby regions.
The Congolese bishops reiterated their peace strategy launched with other Christian churches earlier this year. Their roadmap titled “The Social Pact for Peace and Living Well Together” encourages dialogue among regional communities.
“Why are we no longer able to resolve our problems under the palaver tree as our ancestors wisely used to do?” asked church leaders including Msgr. Donatien Nshole and Rev. Eric Nsenga in their joint document signed on January 15.
Catholic organizations are actively responding to needs arising from this crisis. According to Fides news agency reports, around 2,000 people have taken shelter at St. Francis Xavier Parish near Goma while another 1,600 reside in nearby schools.
Caritas reported challenges accessing food supplies or essential services such as healthcare due largely because hospitals face shortages amid increasing patient numbers; fear persists throughout Goma following various attacks involving sexual violence incidents across townships since then too...
Fredrick Nzwili contributed reporting from Nairobi Kenya via OSV News network outlets covering developments closely related topics here today...
