Violence threatens fragile peace process
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rapidly becoming one of the world's biggest disasters, according to a Reuters report. Militants from many factions are challenging the authority of the fragile transitional government. Congolese civilians have been drawn into the conflict against their will. More than three million people remain out of reach of relief groups, including 4,500 children who don't have food. UMCOR joins many other international humanitarian groups in calling for an end to hostilities in this complex crisis.
UMCOR DRC currently operates programs assisting war-affected families in the country's Katanga province. According to Acting Head of Office for UMCOR DRC, Jennifer Poitras, program implementation has so far been unaffected by recent disturbances in other regions and UMCOR field offices in Kinshasa, Lubumbashi and Pweto are operating as usual, however the situation in country is fluid and is being carefully monitored.
UMCOR is exploring possible interventions in the Bukavu region in response to the current crisis and is providing a grant to Action by Churches Together for emergency food assistance.
By Linda Beher, UMCOR Director for Communications
