The protracted conflict in the eastern part of The Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the displacement of more than 1.7 million, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Photo: Sam DCruz
The Anglican Church of the Congo is appealing for prayers and support for thousands of Congolese fleeing widespread conflict in Nord and South Kivu and the border with South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
The internally displaced people are arriving at the diocese of Bukavu and are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, said Bishop Bahati Bali-Busane Sylvestre.
“The diocese of Bukavu, recognizing the holistic mission of the Church, is humbly requesting prayers and any kind of support so that the vulnerable victims can get relief through the Church,” he said, in a statement issued by the Anglican Alliance. The Anglican Alliance coordinates the development, relief and advocacy work of members of the Anglican Communion. The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), the relief and development arm of the Anglican Church of Canada, is a member.
Confrontations among different armed groups have resulted in killings, massacres, rapes, and mutilations, the statement said. The situation is compounded by the fact that poverty, lack of basic services, regular epidemics such as cholera and measles, lack of access to remote areas and attacks on aid workers persist.
Bishop Sylvestre said donations will go towards food and basic hygiene supplies for 517 families in the the villages of Bukavu, Rutshuru, Masisi, Bunyakiri, and Kalonge.
Donations for the appeal can be made to the following account of the Province of the Anglican Church of Congo:
Account Name: PROVINCE DE L’EGLISE ANGLICANE DU CONGO
Bank Name: RAWBANK
Account Number: 01000114503-41
Currency: $US
Swift Code: RAWBCDKI
Address: BP 2499; KINSHASA 1
REPUBIQUE DEMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO
For more information, please contact: tania.nino@aco.org