Following a unilateral ceasefire declared by the rebels in Goma, the city began to mourn the dead, counted in hundreds, and care for the displaced in the aftermath of intense fighting.
The Congolese bishops, offering support to local pastors and victims’ families, continue to push for peace in the region, urging all to prioritize living together in peace.
The M23 rebels agreed to halt their advance toward Bukavu and allow humanitarian aid to reach those affected by the violence, which has claimed at least 900 lives, with up to 2,000 believed to have died in total.
The displaced, many of whom are women and children, seek shelter in churches and schools, as conditions in Goma worsen.
Pope Francis called for the protection of civilians and an end to the violence, while the Congolese bishops’ peace initiative aims to foster dialogue and resolve long-standing tensions.
Catholic agencies, including Caritas, are struggling to provide basic aid in the increasingly dire situation, with threats of sexual violence on high alert.