(Congolese families cross the border into Rwanda.Photo credit: Reuters/James Akena,alertnet.org)
Families, Whole Villages Flee
Civilians In Eastern Congo Have Run Out Of Options.
The capture of provincial capital Goma by rebel forces on Nov. 20th is the last straw. Families are fleeing – joining the 400,000 others who left earlier this year – for safety in Rwanda, Uganda or other parts of Congo.
There are too many militias and armed groups to keep track of, many of them abusing civilians – extorting what little money and resources they own, forcibly recruiting men to fight, raping women and children and killing men who resist.
Farmers are too afraid of attack to work in their fields. Add to that crop diseases that are ravaging the region’s staples like bananas and cassava, and extreme food shortages are imminent.
Support ARC’s work with Congolese refugees and others in need.
Fleeing is their final option. Many families hold on to hope that the Congolese government will be able to stabilize the situation.
Support ARC’s work with Congolese refugees and others in need.
Fleeing is their final option. Many families hold on to hope that the Congolese government will be able to stabilize the situation.
ARC currently has a team on the ground, carrying out needs assessments, providing important medical supplies to Heal Africa's Hospital and working with a local partner to implement a protection program for families living in displaced person camps.
Our teams are also waiting to help across the border. ARC aid workers in Rwanda and Uganda are currently assisting tens of thousands of families who’ve fled the conflict in Congo, providing shelter, health care, food assistance, counseling and support. ARC-run Kigeme Refugee Camp in Rwanda shelters 14,000 people – all of who have fled since April.
ARC has been working with Congolese refugees for more than a decade.
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