Canadian in the Congo

Well, it's a week late, but here's a brief post on me in the Congo. I'm working for Food for the Hungry International (FHI) again, on an assessment mission to determine how we can appropriately respond to the crisis here. FHI has worked for several years in Sud-Kivu province, so there is an experienced Congolese staff available, as wll as a lot of support from the regional office in nearby Rwanda.

As you may have seen on the news, there is currently a rebel movement (CNDP), which is warring with the Congolese army (FARDC) in the province of Nord-Kivu (NK). This description is, however, far too simple. In reality, there are at least 7 different armed groups, most of which have formed to defend their region from other armed groups, and creating a constant, rolling game of Risk, with areas changing hands all the time. Unfortunately, this area is not empty, and the civilians become the pawns of ever changing warlords. In an effort to defend themselves, the Congolese have been constantly running away from conflict, and camping in a "safe" area until the conflict finds them, and they are on the run again. The army has managed to hold the town of Goma, and many displaced people are gathered around this town. However, there are many behind CNDP lines, where few or no humanitarian agencies dare to go.

All armed forces have signed agreements to not harm humanitarians, and so far these have been kept. Traveling under the banner of a recognized agency creates relative safety, and we have been able to visit regions behind the CNDP lines and been welcomed.

There are at least half a million people displaced right now, and many have received no help in months. Imagine camping for 6 months in the rain with only a few dollars, in the rain, with no tent, and a family of six. The situation for many is desperate, and the close, unhygenic quarters have led to increased cases of serious diseases like cholera.

I'm going back behind rebel lines on Wednesday for a two day trip, as we identify the most critical needs and prepare a proposal for funding. Here's a picture of me with a CNDP Captain I met, who ahs a brother in Ottawa.