Praying for Goma, DRC

There has been a major escalation of the crisis in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After years of conflict, a rebel group, M23, out of Rwanda has now claimed control of the provincial capital, which has caused hundreds of thousands to be displaced. 

I have a friend, who lives in Uganda and travels regularly into the DRC to encourage and support the Congolese followers of Jesus. 

• Over two million residents are in the dark without electricity or Internet access. 
• Gunshots and explosions are everywhere. 
• Many humanitarian aid agencies are based in Goma and cannot provide assistance.
• There are dead bodies in the streets 
• Hospitals are overwhelmed by casualties.
• Many are without access to food, water, or shelter. 

A bit of background. 

The Rwandan and Ugandan wars of aggression and plunder have ebbed and flowed for nearly three decades. Both countries have invaded the Congo twice, 1996 and 1998, fought each other on Congolese soil over mineral resources (2000), and have sponsored militia groups inside Congo for decades. What we are witnessing today, is the latest escalation of a persistent crisis enabled by their western backers – US, UK, EU, France – to name a few. Ugandan troops are now in the DRC at the request of the government to help fight the rebels. 

The United Nations Security Council has held two emergency sessions to address the crisis in the Congo. Virtually all of the nations have called for Rwanda to withdraw its soldiers from the DRC and stop supporting the M23. However, no concrete action has yet to be taken in spite of the pleas of the DRC's foreign minister. Germany and the United Kingdom appear to be taking baby steps to possibly withhold aid from Rwanda.

For over six decades, the DRC has been denied the fundamental rights of peace, democracy, and justice. From the assassination of Patrice Emery Lumumba to the ongoing plunder of its vast resources, has remained at the mercy of Western-backed dictators, foreign-sponsored militias, and multinational corporations, all seeking to exploit its immense wealth—at great cost to the Congolese.

Keep Congo in your Prayers!

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