12.03.2024

"The CBCA is Carrying More and More Weight"

Seit letzten Jahr ist die CBCA eingetragene Partnerorganisation von UNOCHA, dem Büro der Vereinten Nationen zur Koordinierung humanitärer Angelegenheiten. Foto: CBCA

The UEM member church CBCA* in the Democratic Republic of Congo is on the front line in dealing with a massive humanitarian emergency: coltan, which is needed worldwide for the production of mobile phones, is the cause of heavy fighting between the armed forces of the DR Congo and the militia M23, which is supported by Rwanda. The fighting escalated even more violently by early February.

"Since 1998, innocent people in eastern Congo have endured so much suffering and nothing is being done to stop the atrocities against civilians. It is more than late for the international community to come to the aid of the suffering people," says Rev Dr John Wesley Kabango, Head of Africa and Germany as well as Deputy General Secretary of the UEM.

More than 600,000 people have now left the Kivu region and fled to Goma. Here, the CBCA is working with the government of the DR Congo and the United Nations, among others, to provide accommodation, security and food for those arriving. Trained play therapists work with the children in the camp to prevent trauma from becoming permanent. The communities, schools and institutions of the CBCA collect food, clothing and hygiene products for the refugees. At the same time, the CBCA leadership is lobbying nationally and internationally for financial and political support in their fight for peace: "The CBCA's carrying more and more weight. We hope for support in prayer and intercession for peace in this region. Any support to alleviate the suffering is welcome," said Pastor Dr Jonathan Kavusa Kivatsi, President of the CBCA. From the UEM Communion, the EKiR*, the EKvW*, the EKKW* and the UEM have pledged a total of 40,000 euros to support the CBCA quickly and efficiently in its fight.

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With your support, the UEM can respond effectively in cases like this: Whether in the Ahr valley, Sumatra or Kivu, the UEM Communion stands together in the event of a disaster: in Asia, Africa and Germany.

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*CBCA = Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l'Afrique (Baptist Church in Central Africa)

*EKiR = Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland (Evangelical Church in the Rhineland)

*EKvW = Evangelische Kirche von Westfalen (Evangelical Church in Westphalia)

*EKKW = Evangelische Kirche von Kurhessen-Waldeck (Evangelical Church in Electoral Hesse and Waldeck)