The Catholic Church in Angola is preparing to welcome refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo amid escalating conflict. Sister Carla Luísa Frei Bamberg highlighted the Church’s readiness to offer support and care to incoming refugees. Despite various challenges, there is a strong call for empathy and dignity in addressing the humanitarian needs resulting from the crisis.

Yaoundé, Cameroon – In light of the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Catholic Church in Angola has expressed its willingness to welcome refugees escaping the violence. Sister Carla Luísa Frei Bamberg, the Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants (CEPAMI) in Angola, emphasized that the Church is prepared to assist those in need, particularly in border dioceses such as Uíge and Mbanza Congo.

The unrest in the DRC involves clashes between security forces and various militant factions, including the M23 rebels, who are reportedly receiving backing from Rwanda. These tensions stem from striving for territorial control and competition over the region’s abundant mineral resources, rooted in longstanding ethnic disputes. Recent reports have noted M23’s entry into Bukavu, following their capture of Goma, causing significant displacement among the local populace.

As millions have been affected by the ongoing conflict, over 400,000 individuals have fled Goma alone, amplifying the already staggering number of displaced persons in the region, estimated to be around four million. Accounts from refugees highlight the severe conditions they face, exemplified by Melchisedeck Batumike’s expression of concern for those stranded amid the chaos and Dezonga Mapenzi’s harrowing injury from a gunshot.

While M23 has urged civilians not to yield to fear, criticism remains regarding the trust gap between the community and both the rebels and government forces. Johan Viljoen, Director of the Denis Hurley Peace Institute, stated that the local population feels threatened by both sides and holds little faith that either will provide genuine liberation from their plight.

With escalating violence prompting numerous individuals to cross into Rwanda and Angola, the Catholic Church in Angola is proactively preparing to facilitate the arrival of Congolese refugees. Sister Bamberg conveyed the Church’s commitment to ensuring refugees are welcomed with compassion and support.

“Our animators in the Pastoral Care for Migrants are ready to receive these individuals not as intruders but as brothers seeking relief from dire situations,” she commented. Bamberg stressed the need for the Angolan population to demonstrate empathy and hospitality, recognizing the shared humanity of those fleeing dire circumstances.

Acknowledging the potential hardships in accommodating a surge of refugees due to existing infrastructure challenges, Bamberg noted, “We are on standby, along with other organizations, to receive them, as this is our mission.” She called on the Angolan government to provide refugees with essential services necessary for a dignified life, such as food, water, and shelter.

The long border between Angola and the DRC, measuring approximately 1,500 miles, complicates the management of refugee inflow. Sister Bamberg also highlighted the complexities posed by a lack of stringent border controls, which raises concerns regarding human rights violations among incoming migrants.

Furthermore, the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have significantly strained international humanitarian resources, impacting funding availability for DRC conflict victims. Despite these difficulties, Sister Bamberg reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to supporting refugees, emphasizing that pastoral agents are being equipped to aid individuals appropriately and connect them with necessary authorities.

The Catholic Church in Angola has expressed readiness to assist refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sister Carla Luísa Frei Bamberg highlighted the Church’s preparations to welcome individuals in need at the border. While severe challenges remain due to existing infrastructure and international aid constraints, the Church emphasizes the importance of empathy, dignity, and humanitarian response to this crisis.

Original Source: cruxnow.com

Related posts:

Congo and Burundi Forces Hold M23 Rebels at Bay as Tensions Rise Understanding the Conflict in Goma: Roots and Implications of the DR Congo Fighting The Human Cost of Sudan’s Ongoing Civil War Understanding the Complexity of the DRC Civil War: The Role of M23 and External Forces