Tearfund is calling for the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the armed group M23 to resume peace talks in Kampala urgently, after renewed fighting between the two sides. Serious clashes brought fear to civilians in the city of Goma in North Kivu province.
The fighting follows a lull of two months and frustration over stalled peace talks between the two sides. It comes as the UN significantly increased its force in the region with a 3,000-strong ‘intervention brigade’ mandated to increase security in the eastern border area, especially around Goma.
'The Kampala talks seemed like they could have a real chance to bring a peace deal,' says Cedric Perus, Tearfund’s Deputy Head of West & Central Africa. 'The population in North Kivu deserve a chance of peace after years of conflict. Talks between the government and the M23 group mustn’t be allowed to fail innocent civilians – rural communities, vulnerable women and their children. So often their lives are torn apart by conflict and they are sick of war.'
Countries in the region signed up to the broader Peace, Security and Cooperation (PSC) framework in February this year.
A church pastor described the fighting last Sunday soon after his morning service: 'Goma was under fire …people were hearing machine guns and heavy bombs booming at about eight kilometres from the city …This morning people awoke with lots of fear as the bombs were still shouting,' the pastor said.
'We need to pray for people in Goma, like this pastor – for their resolve and for strength and courage for the Congolese people as a whole,' says Cedric. 'And, as well as praying for successful peace talks in Kampala, we must also pray for the implementation of the wider regional framework, that it will bring real and lasting positive change for the DRC.'
Despite the instability, Tearfund staff and partner teams are continuing to run aid projects in North Kivu, particularly in and around Goma.
The developments in the last week highlight the importance of Tearfund’s recently launched emergency appeal to help civilians affected by conflict in DRC.
'With our partner teams and staff on the ground, we’re committed to helping rebuild the lives of people who have suffered extensively as a result of indiscriminate fighting,' adds Cedric.
'Our appeal will enable us to provide basic everyday household items for displaced families, but also to invest in their future by helping them restart livelihoods, giving them new skills and improving their access to water and sanitation.'