Update on the Violence in Congo

November 12, 2008 – 4:05 pm

The situation in Congo is dire for thousands of civilians. Continue to pray for their protection and that God would draw people to Himself through these tragic circumstances. See recent MM posts for some perspective on the situation:”A World in Need“; “Fighting in Congo“; “200k Congolese Forced from their Homes” and this Wikipedia article on the DNC.

This article released by CNN yesterday on the situation in eastern Congo:

GOMA, Congo (AP) — Aid workers in eastern Congo said Tuesday they are concerned that thousands of refugees may be trapped behind rebel lines and in urgent need of food.

Representatives of humanitarian agencies said they were trying to gain access to the towns of Rutshuru and Kiwanja, about 50 miles north of Goma, the provincial capital. Both are in rebel-held territory.

They said they did not know how many people there need help. But during stable times, the two towns had a combined population of more than 150,000.

Fighting in that area was fierce and apparently brutal as rebel forces led by Laurent Nkunda battled toward Goma. Nkunda launched an offensive August 28, stopping just outside Goma and declaring a cease-fire two weeks ago.

A U.N. mission sent to Kiwanja to investigate reports of massacres said Tuesday it had received “credible reports that civilians were targeted, that a large number of them were murdered even though no precise number is yet available,” U.N. spokeswoman Michele Montas said in New York.

“The team visited 11 burial sites that witnesses said contained 26 bodies of combatants and civilians. Some sources gave a higher number for civilian deaths but this is unconfirmed,” she said.

And New York-based Human Rights Watch said at least 50 civilians were killed there — the majority by rebels. The group said the actual death toll is likely higher.

Many of the killings were thought to be reprisals against those deemed to have collaborated with the government.

A rebel spokesman said aid workers who wanted to render aid to civilians trapped in the area on rebel-held territory would be safe.

“If there are NGOs who want to come to Rutshuru, they are welcome to come,” rebel spokesman Bertrand Bisimwa said.

Closer to Goma, the situation is dire. Aid groups say 250,000 people have been displaced in eastern Congo since the fighting began. A new wave of 8,000 people from Rutshuru and Kiwanja has washed into a camp in Goma over the last three days.

Entire article.