DR Congo: 10,000 victims of violence reached
A generous emergency response by CMS supporters helped local Christians meet the need
Photo: Some of the 150-plus children who have received trauma support through CMS-Africa partners Kivu Care
“I saw soldiers shooting…I saw bombs falling…and dead bodies and wounded people in our streets. I had nightmares every night. I did not know why.”
“I lost my dad. He was killed during the war. The bomb fell on our home. I didn’t want to live. I don’t play because I have lost so much joy in this world….”
The words above are from two boys in Goma, DR Congo, both age 16. For their whole lives they have known near constant instability and bursts of violent conflict, the most recent of which unfolded in late January 2025 in the lead up to M23 rebels taking over the city.
Emergency efforts
Yet, thanks to the generosity of CMS supporters and the remarkable efforts of CMS-Africa and other key partners, these two boys, along with more than 150 other children, have begun to receive the trauma support they need to cope with terrible things they have endured in their young lives.
Altogether, thanks to everyone who responded to CMS’s emergency appeal for Goma, more than 10,000 people in Goma have received emergency assistance in the aftermath of the recent crisis. This came in the form of financial help, food and hygiene supplies and trauma counselling for people experiencing psychological distress.
Currently, in an area where more than two million people live and have experienced immense violence, there are only a handful of mental health professionals, so often people suffer their struggles alone, with many turning to substances, suicide or violence themselves. CMS-Africa has partnered with local mental health charity Kivu Care and the Anglican Diocese of Goma (led by mission partner Bishop Martin Gordon) to multiply the number of people who can provide trauma support.
This is making a difference. One boy, age 15 said, “I learned about forgiveness. When we don’t forgive, we carry the person who hurts us everywhere we go.” Another said, “I liked how Kivu Care people listened to me.”
Faithful witnesses
In a time of crisis, Christians have played a vital role in caring for their community, physically and spiritually. As our partner CIMR (Centre for Intercultural Missions and Research) aided in emergency relief distribution they also shared words of comfort from the Bible, such as Psalm 46:2, which says, “God is our strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
The situation in Goma remains critical, with a rise in gender-based violence, electricity and water shortages and insufficient medical care available. CMS partners will continue to focus on helping people and communities to rebuild their livelihoods and strengthen their resilience for the long-term.
Karobia Njogu of CMS-Africa commented, “Despite the ongoing challenges, this initiative demonstrated the power of coordinated faith-based humanitarian action. The efforts generated relief but also laid a foundation for the restoration of dignity, healing and community rebuilding in a city shattered by violence.”
