Harper Hill Global Helps Victims of Conflict in Eastern Congo

by Philippe Lolonga/ Goma, DRC

• During clashes between M23 rebels, supported by the Rwandan army, with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), several United Methodists were killed

• In Goma and Bukavu: The looting has caused several United Methodists to lose their property.

• In Uvira: Shelters in Uvira house several United Methodists, including pregnant women and children. They live in inhumane conditions.

• The United Methodist Church calls for the restoration of sustainable peace in the East Congo.

• Harper Hill Global is mobilizing to help the victims of atrocities in East Congo.

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In the eastern DR Congo, the violence by M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, caused over 3000 deaths according to a UN report and confirmed by the DR Congo Ministry of Health. Over 20 UM members were killed in Goma and Bukavu. Other UM Members lost goods during looting in the same area. Several pregnant women and children, under the age of five, found refuge in Uvira but now live in “unacceptable conditions” a delegate of Bishop Unda Gabriel from eastern Congo, district superintendent Clement Kinggombe declares.

President of Women in Goma, Mother Yvonne Zacky, reports deaths due to famine. For over four days, people have been locked in their homes without electricity, water, or the internet. This has also led to citizens dying.

Mother Bibishe Mbilizi, who is president of United Methodist Women in Bukavu said, “We have just spent three days in war here in Bukavu. And people suffer enormously, and I have just been the victim of the plundering of all my depot on Sunday night.”

Bishop Gabriel Unda continues to encourage all United Methodists to be united in prayer for the restoration of lasting peace in east Congo.

Unda requests a general mobilization of all Methodists around the world, to do everything to help as quickly as possible.

Harper Hill Global is mobilizing to help the victims of these atrocities. Harper Hill Global's $100 donation allowed twenty selected households in Goma and Bukavu to buy daily food rations. To donate, click here and designate your giving "DRC Relief" in the comments section.

Nurse Bibiche Ohanga, a graduate of the Mama Lynn Center, received funding from HHG to assist her and her friends (Nathalie, Béatrice, and Sarah) who found shelter from violent fighting and looting in Goma.

Though many world leaders and churches have called for a ceasefire, the people of eastern Congo continue to suffer as the M23 rebels’ advance.

The Church of Christ in Congo ecumenical organization, along with the Catholic Church, has put forth steps for a two-part plan to restore peace in East Congo.

The Bishop Gabriel Unda, national moderator of the Church of Christ in Congo, proclaims a message of peace, "Let us not lose hope because peace is still possible, the God we believe in will never leave us."

Since the conflict began, Harper Hill Global has provided over $1,500 to assist victims. Small gifts can go far in helping people eat and provide shelter. Please give now.