“Extremely worrying”: Congolese Religious Missionary on Security, Humanitarian Situation in Goma, DR Congo

“The humanitarian crisis is worsening. Many families are still displaced, living in precarious conditions without sufficient access to water, food or medical care. Fear and uncertainty prevail among the inhabitants, who fear further violence or a deterioration in the security situation,” Br. Mulengezi said. 

He added, “Health facilities are overwhelmed by the influx of wounded and sick, and lack essential resources to provide adequate care. Drug shortages and insecurity further complicate patient care.”

The Congolese IMC member continued, “Massive population displacements have severely disrupted livelihoods, making access to food increasingly difficult. Many families are suffering from malnutrition, and food supplies are limited due to fighting and instability.

Credit: Br. Adolphe Mulengezi Mihingano

“With the partial destruction of infrastructure, drinking water is becoming a rare commodity. This situation increases the risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera, endangering public health, particularly that of children and the most vulnerable,” he said. 

He described the situation in his native city of Goma as “critical” and that it requires “an urgent, coordinated humanitarian response to alleviate the suffering of the affected populations.”

The postgraduate student in communication at the Rome-based Salesian Pontifical University recounted the effects of the violence, saying, “Many people had to flee precipitately under the bombardments, abandoning their homes and all their possessions. Some walked for kilometers on foot, carrying their children on their backs, not knowing where to find shelter or how to survive the following days.”

“One of the most heartbreaking testimonies is that of families who have lost loved ones without being able to offer them a dignified funeral. Many have seen loved ones killed by bullets or bombardments, without being able to recover their bodies because of the insecurity. This unfinished mourning is an immense pain for the survivors,” he lamented.

Br. Adolphe Mulengezi Mihingano. Credit: Br. Adolphe Mulengezi Mihingano

Br. Mulengezi continued, “As in all crises, women and children are the most vulnerable. Some stories tell of mothers struggling to find food and water for their children. Many children have been separated from their families in the chaos of fighting. Some wander alone, traumatized, not knowing if their parents are still alive. Others have witnessed scenes of extreme violence that will haunt them forever.”

He went on to highlight what the Church is doing to support victims of the violence. He said, “The Church plays a fundamental role assisting the populations affected by the crisis in Goma. The Catholic and Protestant Churches have expressed their willingness to open a dialogue including the M23 in order to promote a peaceful solution to the crisis.”

The leaders of the two Christian churches, Br. Mulengezi told ACI Africa, “are actively advocating justice and reconciliation, calling on the conflicting parties to choose the path of dialogue rather than that of violence. Bishops and religious leaders regularly denounce human rights violations and call on the international community to act.”

“Missionaries and church organizations are actively involved humanitarian aid, distributing food and providing medical assistance to the wounded and sick,” he further said, adding, “Thanks to these actions, the Church continues to play an essential role in supporting the victims of war, providing them not only with material aid, but also with the spiritual and moral strength they need to get through this ordeal.”

Br. Adolphe Mulengezi Mihingano. Credit: Br. Adolphe Mulengezi Mihingano

Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken about peace in the DRC, urging an end to violence and advocating for justice and reconciliation, Br. Mulengezi recalled, and explained, “Pope Francis' message on peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had a strong moral and spiritual resonance. The Pope often highlighted the suffering of the Congolese people, particularly in areas affected by armed conflict, and expressed his desire to see peace return to the region,” the Congolese Consolata missionary said.

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He continued referring to Pope Francis, “His calls for reconciliation, justice and an end to violence encouraged humanitarian efforts and peace initiatives. His intervention also highlighted the dire situation of displaced people and victims of war, attracting the attention of the media and international actors.”

For the IMC member, “concrete impacts on the ground are harder to measure” and the “conflict is complex”. 

“The DRC is a country where many local and international players have diverging interests. The conflict is complex, with numerous armed groups and internal political tensions, often exacerbated by external geopolitical and economic interests,” Br. Mulengezi said.

He added, “The Pope's words, important in inspiring solidarity and encouraging dialogue, cannot on their own change the reality on the ground, where violence, attacks and human rights violations persist. His call for peace can help inspire local actors, humanitarian organizations and political authorities to continue to seek lasting solutions and renew their commitment to peace.”

Addressing young people in the DRC, Br. Mulengezi advocated for resilience. He said, “Don't let the darkness of violence and despair prevent you from seeing the light of hope and the future. You are the generation of change, the force that can rebuild your country and offer a better future. Yes, the situation is difficult, but every crisis carries with it an opportunity for transformation.”

Credit: Br. Adolphe Mulengezi Mihingano

“Remember that peace is not built by weapons alone, but above all by the unity, solidarity and resilience of individuals,” he further said.

The Congolese IMC member went to caution young people in DRC against despair, saying, “Do not lose hope. Seek justice, reconciliation and love, for these are the values that will guide you towards a more stable and prosperous future. Violence is not your destiny.”

“You have within you the capacity to dream, to act and to create a future where peace, dignity and prosperity can finally reign. Join the voices calling for peace; be the architects of your own future. The world is watching, and it needs your courage, your wisdom and your hope,” Br. Mulengezi said during the February 6 interview with ACI Africa.