David Gasana, Director of Comfort Rwanda, visited our partners in Comfort Congo to share encouragement and receive an update on how things are in Goma, following the M23 takeover there. He shares his experiences with us in this report:
On 21st February 2025, I woke up early at 6 AM to prepare for my journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to meet the Comfort Congo team. They are working in a war-torn environment, facing extreme challenges on a daily basis. Comfort Rwanda and Comfort Congo share a common vision of creating hope and a future for vulnerable people, making this visit particularly important in such difficult times.
The journey from Kigali, Rwanda, to the Rubavu border (between Rwanda and DRC) was smooth, although I was stopped twice at police checkpoints along the way. Upon reaching the border, I was welcomed by Bedadi and Joseph from Comfort Congo, who were already waiting for me. The situation at the border was striking—on the DRC side, the area was under M23 control, while the Rwandan side was operating as usual.
I was unsure of what to expect after crossing into Congo, so I kept messaging Joseph:
“Joseph, please, please make sure I see you or someone else from Comfort Congo once I cross the border.”
After crossing, the team took me for a meal, as I was hungry. We then took moto taxis to meet Comfort Congo’s Director, Dieudonné, who greeted me warmly with a big, radiant smile. I was eager to hear from the team about their experiences during these challenging times.
Observations in Congo
On the way to meet Dieudonné, I observed life in a city under M23 control. Many people were carrying on with their daily activities—street vendors were selling goods, and children were moving about—but numerous shops remained closed. Armed soldiers patrolled the streets, creating a tense yet eerily quiet atmosphere. People appeared cautious in their interactions with one another.
At one moment, while I was with the Comfort Congo team, we suddenly heard gunfire just a few metres away. The sudden sound of shooting alarmed me, but I was surprised to see that the Comfort Congo team remained calm. They advised that they are used to hearing such noises, and that there had been times when the gunfire was much worse. Their resilience in the face of such dangers was both shocking and inspiring.
Challenges Faced by Comfort Congo
One of the most pressing challenges in Comfort Congo is the severe lack of healthcare. Medical resources are scarce, and the number of doctors is far too low to meet the overwhelming demand. Many women and young girls who have suffered sexual violence are in desperate need of medical and psychological support.
Comfort Congo is also actively involved in supporting demobilised child soldiers. Dieudonné and Joseph explained that they come across these young individuals either during their duties or through local community connections. They provide mental support and guidance, helping them transition back into civilian life.
Teachers from Comfort Congo-supported schools have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict. Most of these teachers, originally from rural areas, are now stranded in the city centre with limited access to basic necessities. Their growing needs have placed additional pressure on the Comfort Congo team, as they struggle to provide support. Many teachers who were receiving government salaries are also unable to access their wages due to the closure of banks and government institutions.
The orphans from Sake who are being looked after in a Goma orphanage and the other malnourished and orphaned children in the camps, present immense difficulties, as the number of children arriving daily continues to increase. Many of these children come from extremely poor backgrounds, while others have recently been orphaned by the ongoing conflict.
Overall, Comfort Congo’s projects are facing overwhelming challenges. The individuals they support now rely almost entirely on the Comfort Congo team for survival, as local opportunities have diminished due to the crisis. The team is deeply concerned about their inability to meet the increasing needs of these vulnerable groups.
Comfort Congo’s Strength and Commitment
Despite these immense difficulties, we believe in the limitless power of the Lord and remain faithful to His calling to serve the people. Although the challenges are great, we continue to give whatever little we have to sustain hope for the hopeless during these difficult times.
We are also blessed by our partnership with Comfort International, as this collaboration has transformed countless lives. Through this partnership, many people have been supported and empowered to live with dignity, hope, and the possibility of a brighter future.
