Brass For Africa
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News update -- 3 March 2005 bulletin
Urgent situation in Kanyabayonga
Email from Congo
Last month there has been violent fighting in Kanyabayonga between the government army and soldiers belonging to the former rebel mouvement that was controlling an important part of the Eastern DRC. Soldiers of the the former rebel mouvement was oposing the deployment of soldiers from the government in part of their formerly controled area (Goma). Violent figting have been reported resulting to deaths, rape of so many women, looting, and desplacement of more than 100,000 people whose all properties have been looted. These people have been obliged to run into bush where they could not get any assistance. Soldiers from Unated Nations have called for a ceasefire so that humanitarians can come to assist the victims. OCHA has called Churches to interviene in order to roll back the situation where people are lacking everething. Medecin Sans Frontihre is now trying to help the population there but, as you may know the situation in Congo, there is no enough Internation NGOS to help.
We are therefore appealling to you to assist this population in need, coming back to their homes after couple of weeks in the bush where they could not get nothing, while all their homes have been looted by soldiers.
If there is a need of more information about the situation, please feel free to ask any of us.
Hoping hearing from soon
| Baliesima Kadukima Albert Coordinator of Health Services and HIV/AIDS Program |
And Ven Isesomo Provincial Coordinator of Evangelism |
Australian Response
Brass for Africa and the Archbishop of Sydney's Overseas Relief Aid Fund (ORAF) have provided US$20,000 for relief work to help with trauma counselling and replacing looted household items for people in Kanyabayonga.
Baliesima is planning to deliver aid to the affected areas this Friday (4 March 2005).
Please pray for his safety and for wisdom in knowing how best to respond and support the affected people.