Caritas Internationalis Warns Violence in DR Congo May become Regional, Calls for Swift Action

On January 27, the reportedly Rwandan-backed M23 rebels announced that its forces had taken over the capital of the Eastern Province of the DRC, Goma, Reuters reported. On February 16, M23 rebels captured the second-largest city of Eastern DRC, Bukavu, according to a Reuters report.

In seizing Bukavu, a key mining city in South Kivu province, learning institutions and businesses have been disrupted with a mass exodus of residents and Congolese soldiers.

Some of the latest reports about the protracted crisis in mineral-rich East of the DR Congo have indicated that besides the death of thousands, the conflict has also displaced about 600,000 people, among other dehumanizing atrocities.

On February 28, M23 rebels abducted at least 130 patients from two hospitals in Goma, suspecting them of being Congolese soldiers or members of the pro-government Wazalendo militia.

On March 4, Reuters reported that a blast targeted a convoy of rebel leaders in Bukavu, killing 17 people. The city has been under M23 control since February, with both the government and rebels blaming each other for the attack.

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In the two-page statement that the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and Act Alliance also signed, Caritas Internationalis said that the widespread cuts in international aid have resulted in a chronic lack of resources, leaving access to food, healthcare, and shelter severely inadequate.

CI further reported that sexual violence has significantly increased in DRC’s regions that are experiencing violence, while medical facilities lack sufficient human, material, and financial resources to provide emergency response to survivors.

Furthermore, the development arm of the Catholic Church said that “the absence of antiretroviral stocks and medical support exposes survivors to increased long-term risks.”

On the effects of the conflict on learning institutions, CI said that “young people and children are at risk of forced recruitment into armed groups and are deprived of education due to prolonged school closures. This increases their vulnerability to exploitation and violence.”

Despite these challenges, CI emphasized that local actors, including local churches, remain steadfast in providing essential support to affected populations and advocating for the restoration of peace.

In a statement dated Monday, March 3, the Catholic humanitarian organization called for immediate, sustainable, and unrestricted humanitarian access via secure corridors, along with the allocation of material and financial resources commensurate with the needs of affected populations.

CI also underlines the need to protect internally displaced persons, ensuring voluntary and secure return in accordance with the Kampala Convention and relevant guiding principles.

In addition, it calls for “Prevention of exploitation and forced recruitment of young people and children and guaranteeing access to education by reopening schools in a safe environment.”

“Ceasing hostilities and pursuing inclusive dialogue for a peaceful resolution of the conflict” is also among the recommendations of Caritas Internationalis to help end the conflict in the Central African nation.

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.