Breaking News from the 17th Episcopal District: Updates from Goma, DRC and Plea for Assistance

Over the years, we as a church have responded to the needs of our brothers and sisters who have been impacted by sudden devastations, fast moving fires, and violent storms.  This is an appeal to the church to help our brothers and sisters in Congo who have been facing storms of violence.  For over 30 years the people in Congo have experienced murder, rape, and displacement from their homes by invading rebels.  In a time of crisis there is nothing more encouraging than realizing that you have brothers and sisters who will stand with you in hour of need.   The recent surge of violence has led to more atrocities, displacements and need for prayer. The immediate need is for money to buy food and clean water.  Please consider sending a donation to the relief effort. We have asked the AME Church Department of Finance to assist us. Electronic gifts can be made through Givelify  or PayPal Checks can be made out to "AME Church" with “Congo Relief Fund" in the memo line. Please send to: AME Finance Department 1134 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001.   Above all, pray. Below, is a first-hand account of what is happening on the ground. Bishop Vernon R. Byrd, Jr., Presiding Prelate, 17th Episcopal District   Surviving the Storm: A Personal Journey Through Goma's Darkest Days (Note: the author's name has been withheld  by request and pictures are not available for their protection.) This narrative offers a firsthand account of the harrowing realities faced by the people of Goma during the recent escalation of conflict. From the terrifying sounds of distant gunfire to the struggle for survival amidst shortages of food, water, and shelter, the story paints a vivid picture of the daily horrors endured by displaced families. Through personal reflections and encounters with those caught in the crisis, the narrative highlights the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and serves as a poignant reminder of the value of peace, freedom, and compassion in times of unimaginable adversity. We need peace in Congo, perfect peace. Day One: Thursday, January 23, 2025 At 8 a.m., chaos erupts. The streets fill with people running in panic, shouting about the M23 rebels' advancement and their presence in Sake, a city just 27 kilometers west of Goma. The Congolese National Army (FARDC) mobilizes with armored vehicles, tanks, and artillery to counter the rebels. However, unsettling reports circulate in WhatsApp groups about alleged traitors within the army. The presence of Military Governor General Peter Chirimwami momentarily lifts the spirits of the soldiers and the Wazalendo (patriots) at the front line. Meanwhile, in Goma, daily activities grind to a halt. Schools dismiss children early following an official announcement suspending classes indefinitely for security reasons. By afternoon, fear intensifies as distant gunfire and explosions echo from the front line. Displaced individuals flood Goma’s streets, fleeing for their lives with nowhere to turn. Pastor Seraphin calls me to ENAIM Church, where members of the AME Church, previously living in displacement camps, arrive seeking refuge. He takes in a family of eight and urges other church members to host those in need. Moved by the crisis, I invite several displaced individuals to stay at my home. As night falls, the continuous sound of gunfire and bombings fills the air, plunging the city into deep despair.   Day Two: Friday, January 24, 2025 At 3 a.m., bombings intensify, shaking the city. I wake up and warn the children to stay inside for safety. Peering cautiously through the window; I see displaced families trudging through the streets, carrying worn-out mattresses and utensils, barefoot on sharp lava rocks. Their faces are etched with exhaustion and hopelessness. Around 10 a.m., I encounter a heart-wrenching sight—twin six-year-old children sobbing desperately on the roadside, unable to find their parents. Their cries pierce the already heavy atmosphere of despair. Further down, endless streams of displaced families march barefoot along the tarmac, carrying infants on their backs, their cries blending into the chaos. Hunger and thirst are evident, yet help is scarce. By noon, unverified reports claim that General Peter Chirimwami has been killed in battle. Conflicting accounts emerge—some insist he was shot by rebels, while others allege he was murdered by his own troops for suspected collaboration. The uncertainty breeds confusion and anxiety. Heavy rains bring a brief pause in the fighting, but by 4 p.m., renewed clashes shake the city. A rebel attack damages an electrical pole, plunging Goma into total darkness. Worse still, the city faces a water crisis, leaving rainwater as the only source for drinking and washing. D ay Three: Saturday, January 25, 2025 The conflict escalates. Bombs strike displacement camps, injuring many. Disturbing images of mangled bodies flood social media, spreading terror across the city. By noon, explosions are heard near Kibumba to the north, signaling a second front line. The rebels issue warnings on social media, declaring their imminent takeover of Goma. Panic ensues as residents rush to buy essentials, causing prices to skyrocket. The city grapples with severe shortages— water, electricity, food, and housing as displaced individuals overwhelm urban spaces. Day Four: Sunday, January 26, 2025 At dawn, reports circulate that the Congolese National Army has pushed the rebels back into Rwanda. Uncertain of the truth, my family and I prepare for church at ENAIM. The usual three-hour service is cut to just ninety minutes as fears of an imminent rebel takeover grow.   By evening, the rebels seize control of the airport, prompting the United Nations (MONUSCO) to suspend all civilian flights. During a trip to the market for food, my wife and I witness a drunken, desperate soldier recklessly firing into the air. People duck and scatter in terror. The fear of crossfire and lawlessness looms large. By 8:30 p.m., the national army faces defeat—soldiers are ordered to flee to Bukavu or surrender to MONUSCO. Disturbing videos surface of soldiers frantically running to board escape vessels, leaving their comrades behind. Day Five: Monday, January 27, 2025 Internet services are abruptly shut down. Without access to information, we remain isolated, relying solely on distant gunfire to gauge the situation. Armed, uncontrolled soldiers roam the streets, shooting randomly. No one dares to step outside. Markets remain closed, and hunger sets in. The critical shortages of water, food, and electricity worsen. Day Six: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 At 9 a.m., a surprising development occurs. Women and young men carry sacks of flour, beans, and cooking oil through the streets. M23 rebels have authorized civilians to retrieve food from the World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse. Desperate for survival, people rush to collect supplies, but in the chaos, some lose their lives. Gunfire continues throughout the night, preventing any rest. Day Seven: Wednesday, January 29, 2025 Violence persists. Uncontrolled soldiers terrorize the city, robbing and forcibly conscripting young men. Seeking safety, I take refuge in an M23-controlled area for two hours until the situation stabilizes. Though gunfire continues, it is less intense than in previous days. Day Eight: Thursday, January 30, 2025 For the first time in days, the city is silent—no gunfire. I cautiously walk through the streets, witnessing the aftermath of destruction. Shops are looted, displaced individuals sleep on the roads, and bullet shells litter the ground. Water shortages persist, forcing people to rely on trucks fetching water from Lake Kivu. At 3 p.m., electricity is restored to a small part of  the city, allowing me to charge my phone for the first time in days. Still, internet and communication services remain down, leaving us disconnected from the outside world. Day Nine: Friday, January 31, 2025 Electricity is partially restored, but internet and local communication remain cut off. The absence of gunfire brings relief, yet the humanitarian crisis is overwhelming—displaced families beg on the streets, uncertainty grips the city, and survival depends on scarce resources. Note: Internet connection is restored on Sunday, February 2, 2025. It is an unforgettable day for Goma residents. They can now try to find their lost relatives, read the news on social media, and reconnect with the world. Lessons Learned: 1.    Peace is invaluable. Living without peace is a constant state of suffering. If you have peace, cherish it. 2.    Freedom is everything. The ability to connect with the world, move freely, and live without fear should never be taken for granted. 3.    We must care for the most vulnerable. Displaced people suffer unimaginable hardships. They need more than just aid—they need compassion and reassurance that they are not alone. Lend a Hand to Feed the Displaced People This crisis is far from over. Thousands of displaced individuals in Goma are left without food, shelter, or medical care. Families are torn apart, children are orphaned, and necessities are unattainable. We urgently call upon donors, humanitarian organizations, and individuals of goodwill to assist in providing those affected food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter. Your support can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have lost everything. Together, we can bring hope to those in desperate need. For those willing to help, please consider donating to reputable humanitarian organizations responding to this crisis. Every contribution counts. Thank you for standing with the people of Goma.

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