7/11/08

For immediate release

Renewed violence hampering aid effort in DR Congo, says CAFOD

CAFOD is concerned about the latest reports of a resurgence of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, which has led to a new wave of people fleeing their homes.

Fighting between a mixed group of Coalition of Patriots in the Congolese Resistance (PARECO) known as Mayi-Mayi militia and the National Congress in Defence of the People (CNDP) in the Rutshuru area outside of Goma, has caused a number of deaths and indescribable misery for the people who have had to flee.

It is estimated that around 35,000 people were driven out of the villages of Kiwanja and Nyanzale, joining the already 250,000 made homeless by the first wave of fighting.

CAFOD's partner, Caritas Goma, is working with the UN agencies on the ground in responding to the humanitarian crisis. They have been able to carry out food distributions on behalf of the UN World Food Programme (WFP) in four camps west of Goma: Mugunga I and Mugunga II, Buhimba and Bulengo - handing out corn flour, beans, vegetable oil and salt. Caritas Goma will also be looking to distribute non-food items such as plastic sheeting, blankets, pots, pans and jerry cans next week. This distribution can only happen if the security situation in Rutshuru region remains stable.

Michel Monginda Mondengele, CAFOD's Emergency Programme Officer, based in Goma said: "People are living in fear, some have fled more than once and they are losing their ability to cope, as they are reduced to living in squalid conditions.

"Those that are settling in and around Goma can be seen and reached. However we are gravely concerned about the large numbers of people who have 'melted away' - seeking refuge in the dense forest. It is now vital that humanitarian aid reaches them, as they are at risk of starvation and disease.

"The current ceasefire must be maintained, and agreements sought with CNDP and the Congolese army to secure wider humanitarian access."

While the African and international diplomacies continue efforts for a negotiated solution to the crisis, CAFOD and its Congolese Catholic Church partners are calling on Heads of States, not just of Rwanda and DRC, but also all neighbouring countries to renew their commitment towards a peace settlement on the basis of the existing Nairobi accords, signed in November 2007.

For further information/interviews please contact Nana Anto-Awuakye on: 020 7095-5560 or mobile 07799 477 541 or email nanto-awuakye@cafod.org.uk