Salesians remain vigilant as conflicts continue

(MissionNewswire) Salesians with the Assumption Province of Central Africa in the Province of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo*, continue to provide support for those who have been impacted by the ongoing violence in the country. Salesians report that two conflicts are aggravating the already precarious humanitarian situation.

Over the last two years, more than 1.5 million people have been forced from their homes in the Goma region due to clashes between rebel gangs as well as the Congolese army and auxiliary forces associated with it. Fighting intensified at the beginning of 2024.

The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted at the end February: “This crisis is characterized by the abundance of armed actors in the conflict, mass flight and a growing number of people in need of humanitarian aid.”

A lesser-known conflict is raging around Beni, north of Goma in an area bordering Uganda. In early June, 150 civilians were killed by armed groups of fundamentalists, who for several years have been hiding in the immense equatorial forest of the region.

Salesians in the region are working to provide support. There are more than 3,500 families living on the grounds of Don Bosco Ngangi. Salesians have also been providing food and non-food items for those displaced and dependent on humanitarian aid. Salesians have distributed corn, soy and sorghum to the children, as well as offered games, hot meals, school and medical care.

In addition, Salesians have a medical dispensary at Don Bosco Ngangi and plan to offer schooling to the displaced children and vocational training education for the older youth. The goal upcoming is to offer training for social workers on how to best help unaccompanied minors as well as economic support for families to be able to start small income-generating activities.

Salesians in the country are calling on the international community to help with donations and humanitarian aid to help alleviate the challenges the displaced people have faced.

###

Sources:

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

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – “The Congolese people, by their nature, are a people of hope”

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 these countries 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.