The answer is we don’t know. The M23 rebels have taken over Goma and Bukavu cities and huge areas of South and North Kivu. Meanwhile troops from a neighbouring country have greatly increased their presence in the north part of North Kivu and in Ituri provinces. All the areas where Semiliki partners work are affected by this. Many of our partners have had to stay in their homes to avoid the worst of the behaviour of the armed groups. But despite the chaos, we have exciting news of recent developments to share (see below).
As retreating military moved through parts of South Kivu, several of the health centres we support were partially looted. The microscope, solar panels, mattresses, some drugs and supplies were pillaged from Katasomwa health centre. The doctor managed to leave beforehand, but the nurse was terrified witnessing the looting before leaving to report to health coordinator Bahati in Bukavu. In Kabanda centre the nurse was wounded by armed people when they stole the microscope, mattresses, drugs, nutritional supplies for severely malnourished children and money. A few of the new metal doors and windows that had been purchased with funds from Semiliki for the new maternity at St Matthieu Hospital in Bukavu were taken before they had been installed, but despite this, builders have continued putting in the final touches, and doctors and nurses are working flat out meeting needs. With the increased poverty even fewer people are paying medical bills which puts extra strain on the hospital’s finances. There has been huge displacement of people, including forcible closure of many camps for the displaced around Goma, leaving no safe options for hundreds of thousands of extremely vulnerable people. Chairs and tables were taken from schools and churches for firewood. Bukavu diocese has received many thousand displaced people and asks for our help to meet essential needs of food and supplies, and we would like to help the displaced at Bushusha on Idjwi Island. There has already been an outbreak of cholera at three sites of displaced people and the centre has had to treat 13 patients with cholera. They urgently need perfusions, drugs and food.
City centres are a little calmer with some people able to return and work, with shops open again (many having been looted), but many young people have been forcibly recruited into militia, with brutal exactions against those that resist, and violence against women has increased even more.
Despite the chaos, all our partners have courageously continued vital medical and social projects for their populations. Your continued support enables us to keep their work going and to respond to the acute health and humanitarian needs of the displaced. Any extra you’re able to give will help us increase our compassionate response. Donate to Semiliki.
What is quite remarkable is that our partners have been dealing with conflict in DRC over the past 28 years, and despite all that is thrown at them they keep serving their populations with dedication and compassion, and the work is growing quickly despite the challenges. We are delighted to hear that the team in Masiki Hospital in Butembo have, with our recent contribution of $10,000, just completed construction of their new operating theatre. And what’s more it is dedicated to Semilki Trust.
Thanks for your great support!
