Amid Reports of “worst escalation” of Violence in Eastern DR Congo, Catholic Bishop Calls for “respect for human life”

While the report has Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance that includes the M23, saying that the city of Goma was under the control of his forces “could not be independently verified ... the sound of explosions, heavy artillery and gunfire resounded all day.”

In a conflicting account on the situation in Goma, DRC’s Rural Development Minister, Muhindo Nzangi, is said to have reported that the Congolese army was controlling 80% of Goma, and that Rwandan troops were either limited to the city's outskirts or back across the border.

In his January 27 statement, Bishop Ngumbi says, “I am closely following, with consternation, the security developments in the city of Goma.”

“I am horrified to learn of the bombings, including those targeting the neonatal department of the Charité Maternelle General Hospital, resulting in the deaths of newborns, and the attack on the diocesan procuracy compound, which shattered the windows of the newly inaugurated building,” he says.

The Burundian-born member of the Missionaries of Africa (White Fathers) laments, “I deplore the looting of certain businesses and warehouses by the population and, at times, by the military, further worsening an already dire humanitarian situation.”

He urges “all parties involved in the current armed conflict, as well as the population, to show absolute respect for human life and for private and public infrastructure, which must be preserved by all under any circumstances, in accordance with human dignity and international law.”

The Catholic Bishop, who has been at the helm of Goma Diocese since May 2019 following his transfer from DRC’s Kindu Diocese goes on to call upon everyone to “ensure the protection of life, guarantee access to basic services for all, and prevent sexual violence.”

Goma, located in Eastern DRC, has been a flashpoint for violence as armed groups continue to clash, displacing thousands and creating a severe humanitarian crisis. 

The city, home to nearly 2 million residents, is now facing challenges ranging from displacement to resource shortages and infrastructure damage, Reuters has reported. On Sunday, January 27, the Central African nation also announced that it has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda.

In his January 27 statement, Bishop Ngumbi assures the “entire population of Goma of the closeness and compassion of the Catholic Church, especially for the wounded and the families of the victims.”

“In this spirit, I urge the Clergy, Consecrated Persons, as well as the faithful, and all people of goodwill, to provide the necessary assistance to anyone in need,” the Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry in July 2007 as Bishop of Kindu Diocese says.

He implores, “Trusting that further violence will not occur, I implore the Lord, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Congo, to grant us peace in this moment of distress.”