Salesians assisting more than 30,000 displaced people

(MissionNewswire) Several Salesian centers were damaged in the early February violence in North Kivu Province, northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo*. After days of violence in Goma, rebels who invaded the city declared a unilateral ceasefire. The Salesian Mission Office in Madrid is hopeful that the ceasefire lasts and dialogue between the parties can begin.

A Salesian said, “They established a provisional government and demanded the resumption of activities and the return of the city to normal life. However, the city is still in a state of emergency with no schools, security, or airport, and the population is experiencing great insecurity. We are still waiting and live in great uncertainty, since the concern is that this truce is nothing more than a strategic pause.”

The Congolese government has not yet provided official figures, but the death toll could exceed 5,000 people. In addition, thousands of people had to flee their homes to save their lives. The Salesian noted, “The scene in Goma was terrifying, bullets and gunshots could be heard all over the city.”

Salesians have been working in Goma since 1981 and have vocational training centers, primary and secondary schools, and a home for children in vulnerable situations. In addition, they are assisting more than 30,000 displaced people who have taken refuge in the Don Bosco Ngangi Center. Other people who are displaced remain sheltered in the settlements of Rusayo and Kanyaruchinya.

Some Salesian educational facilities were damaged. The Salesian explained, “The classrooms at the Don Bosco Vocational Center were hit by bullets that pierced the roofs. In addition, the computer lab was destroyed by a bomb. Now neither the roof nor the computers are there. The neighborhood we are in, near the airport, has suffered heavy clashes in recent days as well.”

The Salesian Mission Office calls on the conflicting parties to engage in dialogue to achieve lasting peace. It also warns of the high risk of displaced children suffering violations of their rights. The Salesian concluded, “The Don Bosco Ngangi Center is ready to receive unaccompanied minors because their parents are missing or have died.”

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Misiones Salesianas

ANS – Democratic Republic of Congo – The city of Goma still unsafe

Salesian Missions – Democratic Republic of the Congo

UNICEF – DR 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.