Fear For Our Friends From Afar

Since we left the DRC, we have been in constant contact with our friends.

Like we’ve mentioned, it’s tough to implement change from 7,000 miles away. But we have a group of passionate and likeminded friends looking to change their country. So as time went on, we were business as usual— planning our work, fundraising as we went and build a roadmap for the next year. All of this while the Eastern Congo is in civil unrest. Initially we knew of the presence of the M23 rebels. It was regularly discussed while we visited and we noticed a heavy military presence.

But recently, we knew they were gaining more ground and moving in on cities and villages surrounding Goma, including Mushaki, home of the Rama Primary School. As of this past month, Mushaki is now occupied by the M23 group. Because of this, everyone we know there has fled to nearby cities and mostly making the 22 mile trek on foot.

To provide context, written by Crisis24:

“Since November 2021, the M23 rebel group has increased attacks targeting armed forces in the eastern DRC, while tensions have increased between Rwanda and the DRC. In June 2022, the M23 captured the town of Bunagana in Rutshuru Territory and began marching toward Goma. Rebels took control of several localities along the roads connecting Butembo and Goma.

The M23 is seeking to pressure the government to honor a peace agreement signed in 2013, which allows the reintegration of the armed forces into society, among other issues. In April, the group took part in a truce with the government; however, it did not attend peace talks launched between the government and armed groups in Kenya.

Since late November 2022, leaders of the East African Community (EAC) have held multiple talks to push for a cessation of hostilities in eastern DRC. However, M23 rebels have continued their attacks. The M23 has repeatedly asked for direct dialogue with DRC authorities, which have so far refused.”

So as a result, The Kivu Project has decided to shift our immediate goal. While we’ve been working to provide land for housing and even more accommodations for the Global Bright Children orphanage, we will currently be putting that on hold.

Our immediate priority is to provide refuge any way we can. Christian and Josiphia have worked tirelessly to locate 150 of children and their families in three different camps, found a plot of land for us, and have organized the transportation of these children to a safety - The Kivu Project now runs a refugee camp.

We are currently in the process of building beds, purchasing mattresses, and gathering food and water. Dr. Antoine also visited the children and diagnoses four cases of malaria, several cases of diarrhea, and one potential measles case and has bought all the necessary medicines.

We’re not sure how long these children will be displaced, but our hope is that we can provide a livable camp life for as long as needed before they can return to Mushaki.