CONGO: Violent conflict causes massive displacement; ERD responds

June 04, 2009 [ERD] In the Democratic Republic of Congo, violent conflict between rebel forces and the government has caused massive displacement in the province of North Kivu in the eastern part of the country.

According to the Rt. Rev. Bahati Bali-Busane Sylvestre of the Diocese of Bukavu, rebel groups have focused their attacks on innocent civilians, and rapes and murders have dramatically increased in the region. Reports also indicate that more than 7,000 families from the city of Goma and surrounding communities have been forced to flee their homes.

The majority of the displaced people are women and children, many of whom are vulnerable to disease due to poor sanitation and health conditions in the temporary camps.

Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is partnering with the Diocese of Bukavu to provide critical emergency assistance in the form of food and sanitation supplies to displaced people in the North-Kivu region.

"The threat of attack persists in the regions surrounding Goma and it is uncertain when families will be able to safely return to their homes," said Janette O'Neill, ERD's senior director of Africa Programs. "We remain in close contact with our partners in the Democratic Republic of Congo and ask for people around the church to join us in prayer for a peaceful end to the conflict."

Further infomation is available here.

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