Dear Friends of Congo Initiative,

We are writing to you saddened and concerned about the recent news out of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. Over the past few weeks, the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group aggressively advanced on the provincial capital of North Kivu. The number of casualties is unknown, but thirteen UN peacekeepers have been killed. 

On Sunday, Goma was overrun and taken by the M23. 

This development has plunged the area into further instability, endangering countless lives and exacerbating an already fragile humanitarian situation. Families have been forced to flee their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps where resources are already scarce. 

At the same time, the U.S. State Department was ordered last week to pause foreign aid spending and issued a “stop work” order on all foreign assistance projects funded by the U.S. government, effective immediately and pending review. This decision will have devastating consequences for communities around the world, including those in eastern Congo who are uprooted, displaced, and struggling to access basic resources. 

How will this impact Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC) in Beni?

UCBC is located in Beni, North Kivu, 150 miles north of Goma. However, there are several staff members working with the Natural Resource Governance program who reside in Goma. Our leadership is in communication with them and they are managing, but clean water and electricity has been cut off to the city.

Many of our students and staff also have family in Goma. A number of our alumni live and work there, often with local and international organizations trying to respond to the crisis. Many friends and partners based there are doing good work meeting the needs of the people through education, health care, and community development. In short, the ties with the city and its people runs deep. We are heartbroken that another conflict has escalated, creating more instability and disrupting the progress made. 

The conflict can have a ripple effect. Though Beni is still some distance from the conflict, the instability can empower other formal and informal armed groups and individuals in the region seeking to capitalize on fear and insecurity. Additionally, it is unclear how far the M23/Rwanda may go to seize additional territory. We are closely monitoring the situation for any moves north towards the Beni territory. 

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What can you do?

PRAY While prayer can feel inadequate in such a situation, we are a community deeply rooted in prayers of lament and hope. Your prayers DO matter. Our team in Congo is spending Wednesday fasting and praying. Your solidarity is encouraging to our team, and we ask that you stand with them through prayer, and particularly for those in the Goma area.

RAISE AWARENESS The news feeds do not often highlight events and crises out of Congo. Please continue to follow updates through our social platforms and newsletters. Please share this message with your network to shine light on the crisis in Congo and inspire others to take action.

GIVE Make a special gift today. 100% of your gift will support our team as they respond to those most impacted by conflict.

Our Congolese brothers and sisters have been through this before. Their resiliency, strength, and faith inspires us to remain grounded in hope. Their unmovable resolve to continue moving forward and your unwavering commitment gives us strength. Together, we can bring light to this dark moment and uphold a sense of dignity and security for the people of eastern Congo.

Thank you for standing with us during this critical time. Your generosity and solidarity matter.

With gratitude and hope,
The Congo Initiative Team