Belgian Red Cross-Flanders: Less than 10,000 euros raised for emergency relief in eastern Congo
“The situation in Eastern Congo is escalating, but mobilizing sufficient support is difficult,” says Sofie De Jaeger, Head of International Operations Belgian Red Cross-Flanders added, “We are very concerned about the situation in eastern Congo. The humanitarian situation is visibly deteriorating to a rock bottom level, and this in a region that has been suffering from conflict for years.” Belgian Red Cross-Flanders made 100,000 euros available for emergency relief in DR Congo and also launched a call for additional resources. “Additional support is necessary to meet the high needs on the ground. With every donation we can better focus on medical emergency relief , drinking water and shelter for the thousands of people affected.”
The conflict in eastern Congo has taken a heavy toll on civilians caught in the violence. In recent years, tens of thousands of Congolese have left their own homes to flee the violence. The latest explosion of violence has now even forced people out of refugee camps. Hundreds of thousands of internally displaced people are wandering the region in search of a safe and stable environment.
“Several reports are now also talking about outbreaks of cholera and measles. It shows that the situation is very worrying,” says Sofie De Jaeger, “In Goma itself, the Red Cross operates several hospitals, where the influx of wounded people is greater than the capacity. If you have a capacity of 146 beds but there are more than 600 wounded in the hospital, then you know that it will not be easy.”
emergency relief scale up
The Red Cross is mainly using the donations received for medical aid, such as treating the wounded in hospitals, but also coordinating the recovery of bodies. “The Red Cross is also active in Goma and the affected provinces, where they provide essential work,” says De Jaeger. In addition, the Red Cross is also helping to restore water and electricity supplies and distribute food. “The affected people currently lack basic facilities, which is why we are making maximum efforts to do so.”
Anyone who would like to contribute can do so via account number BE53 0000 0000 5353 with the reference " Congo ", or simply online via https://www.rodekruis.be/hulp/escalatie-oost-congo/