Religious Sisters in Congo Fear for Their Lives Amid Escalating Conflict
Recent conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has led to widespread fear among religious sisters in Goma due to battles between M23 rebels and government forces. They share their traumatic experiences and stress the urgent need for international support to aid in healing and rebuilding healthcare services in the region.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, recent escalation of conflict involving the M23 rebels has compelled many individuals, including religious sisters, to live in fear. Following heavy battles with Congolese government forces that led to their capture of Goma city in late January, these sisters express deep trauma and anxiety. They recount their traumatic experiences, including intense gunfire and the pervasive fear for their lives, urging the global community to pray for their safety and peace in the region.
The fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese military has resulted in an alarming death toll of nearly 3,000 individuals and has displaced hundreds of thousands more. The conflict, which is part of a broader, protracted struggle, is characterized by allegations that the M23 is bolstered by Rwandan troops. Despite Rwanda’s denials, the rebels are well-equipped, armed, and trained, raising concerns about their ambitions, which appear focused on accessing Congo’s lucrative mineral resources.
Religious sisters in Goma have bravely shared their near-death experiences during the ongoing violence. One nun, while recounting a horrifying incident, mentioned, “A bullet passed through the iron sheets and the ceiling, falling to the ground very close to my leg.” She expressed gratitude for surviving and her commitment to helping others affected by the conflict. Another sister, a nurse, detailed the destruction at her hospital, where artillery strikes resulted in casualties among vulnerable patients, underlining the urgent need for international support to restore healthcare services.
The psychological impact of the violence is evident, as many sisters experience stress from witnessing horrific events. A clinical psychologist emphasized her commitment to providing comfort and counseling to those traumatized by the conflict, stating, “Even in the face of fear and trauma, we remain committed to serving our community.” Many sisters express a desire to remain in Congo despite the dangers, desiring to heal and support their local communities.
The current conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has severely affected the lives of religious sisters committed to aiding victims of violence. As they face psychological trauma and fear for their safety, they remain dedicated to serving their communities. Their urgent call for international support highlights the desperate need for assistance in both humanitarian efforts and healthcare as the situation continues to deteriorate.
Original Source: www.globalsistersreport.org
