Rebekah, Louisa and Grace are on an extended volunteer trip in Rwanda and wrote back to us to tell us about a recent trip they took to the border of Rwanda’s larger neighbour – the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). DRC is in a current state of turmoil, with war raging and militia groups in conflict with the government forces and families, women and children paying the tragic consequences. Rebekah told us about how even just visiting the border gave them an insight into the daily reality playing out in DRC:
“I’m sending this update to let you know about our trip to the DRC border over the weekend. Our time there allowed us to see some insights into the conflict that is currently going on within the country, and so we wanted to take this time to let you know about our experience as it will provide more insight for people into what is currently happening within the country.”
“One of our first activities was to go on a boat ride on Lake Kivu, where we were able to see the landscapes and houses within Congo. On the boat we heard something which we initially believed to be thunder, but we were told that it was gunfire coming from the mountains, where people were being forced to escape from their homes in order to flee the conflict. We also saw smoke rising from this area, which again were signs of the war within the area. We were told that many people are being forced to flee their homes, with a large proportion of people becoming homeless and being forced to live on the streets. People are suffering a great deal and are losing a lot of hope.”
“Later on one of the officers from the Rwanda-DRC customs office took us up to the official Rwanda-DRC border where we could see right into the country. One thing we noticed was the sudden change from tarmac to dirt road once past the gate. Next to the gate was a glass pane with bullet holes from when soldiers from DRC had attempted to cross the border but were prevented by force. It was clear to see even from the border just how the DRC has been affected by the conflicts that have been going on.”
“As we spent time next to the border we saw many people coming in and out carrying big loads on wheelbarrows, in order to bring supplies in and out of Congo. These wheelbarrows are operated only by people with physical disabilities in order to provide jobs and income for each of them.”
The volunteers’ visit to the border with DRC gives a tiny taste of the unrest going on, but the reality is much more intense and continues to deteriorate for the men, women and children who must fight for survival there. Comfort International has been supporting our partners Comfort Congo to respond to the situation and they are providing healthcare, food, shelter, education and emotional and spiritual support to those affected by the disaster. You can still donate by clicking below. Thanks to Rebekah for this fascinating update!