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DR CONGO: Salesian missionaries support people fleeing conflict

Thousands of displaced people have settled on the grounds of Don Bosco Shasha

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

(MissionNewswire) Salesians in Goma and the surrounding areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo* are supporting people who have been displaced because of ongoing conflict. The conflict has left more than 5.8 million people displaced across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, according to UNHCR – the United Nations Refugee Agency.

Since the beginning of October 2022, more than 28,000 people seeking refuge from violence have arrived at Don Bosco Ngangi. Salesian missionaries, with support of volunteers from the Salesian-run International Volunteering for Development (VIS), are supporting people as best they can. Those displaced are also turning to Don Bosco Shasha, located outside of Goma.

Thousands of displaced people have settled on the grounds of Don Bosco Shasha, and Salesians are trying to provide food and shelter. A Salesian with the East Delegation of the Central Africa Province said, “We have received yet another group of war-displaced people in our community of Don Bosco Shasha. We are trying to see how we can help them. They have fled leaving almost everything in their homes and are in a very precarious situation. We need to remain united in prayer for this situation which is going to continue.”

On Feb. 9, forces from one of the warring parties entered the area of Kimoka, a village located eight kilometers (about 5 miles) from the town of Sake and just 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Shasha. The Salesian said, “Around 10 a.m. there was a stampede in the area. The parents of our students from Don Bosco Shasha came and collected their children to get ready to move out. By 2 p.m. the displaced had settled on our grounds and in front of the classrooms. We opened the doors for them. On the first night alone, we took in 582 refugees from 89 households.”

Salesians at both Don Bosco Ngangi and Don Bosco Shasha are working to provide shelter, food and other supplies to people in need. Supplies are running low as people are in desperate need of humanitarian aid. Salesians around the globe are doing the best they can in offering support, especially in the form of food aid.

The Salesian missionary said, “We say a big thank you to all the people who are helping us to help all these displaced people. We will continue with other activities according to the needs we identify in the camp.”

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – Thousands of displaced people need help at “Don Bosco Shasha” center

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNHCR – Democratic Republic of the Congo

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.