Escalation Eastern Congo

In recent days, an outbreak of violence has taken place in and around the metropolis of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The conflict has been going on for years, and in the eastern provinces of North and South Kivu, where the new explosion of violence has been felt for several weeks, the death toll is running into the hundreds. 

About 400,000 people are already fleeing the violence. The hospitals in Goma are under immense pressure and can barely handle the influx of wounded. We from Belgian Red Cross-Flanders are making 100,000 euros available to support relief efforts on the ground. People on the run urgently need medical support, shelter, drinkable water and other basic facilities.  

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is itself active in the West of DR Congo, Rwanda and Burundi. Together with our colleagues on the ground, we closely monitor the situation in North and South Kivu. 

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we are actively supporting the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Congolese Red Cross by providing 100,000 euros for their relief efforts and support for medical infrastructure, provision of shelter, potable water and other basic services. They work there under extremely difficult conditions. Hospitals are overcrowded and essential electricity and water infrastructure damaged. Because of the fighting, family members also become separated. The Red Cross is trying to re-establish these contacts and inform relatives about their loved ones. 

Rwanda

In Rwanda, we were able to release funds into our structural projects, thanks to the support of the federal government. Together with the Rwandan Red Cross, we provided shelter to refugees crossing the border. A total of 102 volunteers were deployed to support operations, including distributing essential goods, providing basic sanitation and psychosocial support. Emergency medical transport and first-aid services were available day and night. The Red Cross of Rwanda actively participated in the command post for effective communication with other humanitarian actors and authorities. 

Burundi

New needs are arising in Burundi as thousands of Congolese are crossing the border into Burundi in search of safety. The Burundi Red Cross was the first actor on the ground and was already able to set up three sites to receive these people. Some 15,000 volunteers are active in these provinces, distributing potable water, food and other essential goods. They also provide first aid and psychosocial support to best support these people. 

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is calling for the protection of civilians, health centers and medical personnel to ensure that the affected population has access to essential medical care. However, the needs are immense and growing by the day. 

Support our relief efforts

How can you help?

Financial support is most effective at this stage of the conflict. Donations are welcome to BE53 0000 0000 5353, marked "Congo." Every contribution, large or small, helps save lives and address the most urgent needs.  

Updates

Tuesday, Feb. 18 - Red Cross already sees more than 20,000 Congolese flee violence to Burundi

Ongoing violence in the region around Bukavu, eastern Congo, has thousands of people crossing the border into Burundi.  

The Burundi Red Cross is doing all it can to shelter people and provide them with food and drink. However, the needs are immense and growing every day as more people continue to cross the border. The 15,000 volunteers of the Burundi Red Cross are doing everything possible to accommodate these people with the limited resources available. However, the existing camps cannot handle this influx.

"I am worried," says colleague Saskia Beerts, who works as Project Manager in Burundi. "My colleagues on the ground are doing everything they can to accommodate the people, but there are just not enough resources. The Burundi Red Cross has thousands of volunteers working hard, but with 350 tents and 2,000 blankets, they don't have enough comfort for all the Congolese refugees. The greatest needs are food, potable water, shelter and medical support." says Flemish Saskia Beerts, who is active in Burundi for Belgian Red Cross-Flanders for structural projects.

Belgian Red Cross-Flanders is looking at how it can work with them to provide maximum support to those on the run.