D.R. Congo: Biggest, most, worst

• Africa’s largest-ever and longest-ever war (18 years)

• More than 5 million dead

• Over 2 million refugees displaced from their homes

• More than 500,000 women and girls are victims of rape

• UN’s largest peacekeeping mission

• 20 inter-related armed conflicts continue  

Much of the violence has been carried out with unspeakable barbarity too gruesome to report on our website. More details are available at:-

But each person caught up in this dreadful and seemingly-insoluble conflict is an individual, loved by God and needing His help. Our partner ministry HEAL Africa is a vital help, and the only hope of medical care, for thousands of people.

HEAL Africa are world-leaders in the treatment of women victims of sexual violence, regional-leaders in orthopaedics, safe motherhood and family medicine, and have a vast range of preventative and healthcare programmes. These are based at the new hospital facility (funded by the US and Norwegian governments), at out-stations across 3 provinces and though outreach teams.

Reports from HEAL Africa in the last few weeks reflect the renewed upsurge in the fighting since April. Rebel forces are hoping to take possession of the city Goma, but are presently held up about 30 miles away. The UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) has sent troops to safeguard Goma from attack, but this has greatly reduced their presence in rural areas which are under savage attack from rebels of the M23 group.  

The fighting has temporarily broken HEAL Africa’s contact with its out-stations in Rutshuru and Walikale, which means that people are suffering and dying without basic health interventions.

Around 22,000 displaced people (about 3650 families) are now living in refugee camps near Goma. They have no running water, no toilet facilities, shelters made of banana leaves and sticks. HEAL Africa are monitoring the situation and have made a comprehensive evaluation of the needs of the situation. Help is being focussed on the most destitute.

EMERGENCY APPEAL

With more refugees arriving daily, HEAL Africa have asked for emergency funding to help those in need. A total of £46,275 is required to fund their programme to care for 500 most needy refugees for the next two months.

This help will be used to provide high-quality medical care, food and shelter for people who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and often their loved ones too.

HEAL Africa has a deeply-committed staff, and many years of experience in meeting need in their region.   

Governments and international NGO’s use HEAL Africa to distribute aid to eastern Congo. 

But right now, we need to raise funds to meet the immediate need to help those displaced and hurt in fighting over the last few weeks. Help us to defeat the evil which has overwhelmed eastern Congo, with the compassion of Christ.