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Dear Friends and Partners,
Thank you for your continued concern and support for our team in Beni and for the country of DRC in the midst of the current crisis involving the M23 rebel group. As promised, we bring you a brief update on the situation and ask for your continued prayers for lasting peace and restoration. Of special and immediate concern are the hundreds of thousands of innocent Congolese who have been displaced by the conflict in and around Goma.
In the last couple days, M23 had issued statements that it would begin to withdraw its forces from Goma, with the expectation of broader negotiations with the DRC government. However, reports today indicate that M23 has delayed their departure from Goma "indefinitely." Even if and when M23 pulls out, it is unclear what sort of affect this will have on Goma as well as other areas of eastern DRC.
 | | North Kivu province |
UCBC Academic Dean Honoré Bunduki writes, "We are all doing fine here. M23 have plans to withdraw from Goma. However, let's pray that it would be a sincere action followed by peace in Goma and in the province. So far, the governor of the province, whose office is in Beni now, is a bit reluctant to return Goma until his safety is assured with his colleagues in government. Also, the system being put in place is complex and made up of a coalition of four forces to keep peace in the city: 1) battalion from FARDC (government troops), 2) battalion from M23, 3) soldiers from Rwanda, and 4) soldiers from Uganda. The Ugandan Officer in the team will lead the coalition. UN peace keeping forces will also serve in the scope of their mission. Over all, our prayer is that the Lord will stop hostilities in Goma and bring peace. We have students whose family members are there, and their communication has been cut off from their parents for weeks now."
For a sense of what people in Goma have experienced, see the latest news update published today by HEAL Africa, an organization based in Goma with strong ties to Congo Initiative.
A city of 1 million people, Goma is located approximately 150 miles south of Beni, in the southernmost area of North Kivu province, on the north edge of Lake Kivu and on DRC's border with Rwanda. (See photo inset.) Given the lack of paved roads, however, this represents a distance of at least 12-15 hours of driving time.
While we grieve the present crisis, we continue to train and develop strong, indigenous leaders for the transformation of DRC. Our reconciliation work continues, as does our service-learning initiatives and engagement with women and children in the Beni community. The current situation in Goma is a stark reminder of the need for community-based and ethically-driven education. This is why CI and UCBC matter a great deal for the future of DRC. And we thank you for the role you play as friend and partner. |
