The Catholic Church in Angola, led by Sister Carla Luísa Frei Bamberg, is preparing to welcome refugees fleeing the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As violence escalates, particularly involving the M23 rebels, the Church emphasizes the need for compassion and adequate support for incoming refugees, despite challenges related to infrastructure and humanitarian assistance.
In response to escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Catholic Church in Angola is ready to assist refugees escaping violence. Sister Carla Luísa Frei Bamberg, of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants (CEPAMI), indicated that the Church is actively preparing to welcome those fleeing in border dioceses, particularly Uíge and Mbanza Congo.
The relentless fighting between Congolese security forces and militant groups, such as the M23 rebels supported by Rwanda, fuels territorial disputes and involves competition for the region’s valuable mineral resources. This unrest is compounded by historical ethnic tensions that have long plagued the area.
Recent reports suggest that the M23 rebels gained control of significant territories, including Bukavu, leading to a mass exodus of residents. Armed civilian groups have also exploited the chaos, assembling weapons abandoned by government forces, as approximately 400,000 people were displaced within a matter of weeks due to the violence in Goma.
The situation has become dire for many who have fled, with individuals like Melchisedeck Batumike expressing deep concern for loved ones in Goma, describing the conditions as “catastrophic.” Others, like Dezonga Mapenzi, are facing medical emergencies resulting from violent encounters with armed groups.
While the M23 movement has called on civilians to remain calm, local leader Johan Viljoen has pointed out the populace’s lack of trust in both insurgents and government troops. Residents, weary of continuous conflict, view these developments as a continuation of their suffering rather than liberation.
In light of these escalating crises, the Catholic Church in Angola is taking proactive measures to prepare for the influx of Congolese refugees. Sister Bamberg reiterated the Church’s commitment to provide care and support, stating, “We are prepared at the borders, especially in the dioceses bordering Congo.”
She conveyed an urgent plea for Angolans to exhibit empathy toward these refugees, recognizing their plight. Bamberg underlined the imperative to treat refugees as fellow human beings deserving of dignity, emphasizing the Church’s moral obligation to assist those in need.
Despite the anticipated influx of refugees, challenges remain in accommodating them due to limited infrastructure. Sister Bamberg expressed concern about the migration dynamics and the urgency to prepare despite the absence of concrete statistics concerning the arrivals.
She also urged the Angolan government to guarantee essential services, including food, water, and shelter, for arriving refugees. The porous nature of the lengthy Angola-DRC border complicates the management of migrant flows and the safeguarding of human rights.
Furthermore, Sister Bamberg noted that ongoing international conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East, have diverted humanitarian resources, making assistance for DRC refugees increasingly tenuous. Nevertheless, she reinforced the Church’s commitment to ensuring that pastoral agents are adequately trained to support these individuals effectively.
The Catholic Church in Angola is prepared to receive refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, amid escalating violence and conflict. Sister Carla Luísa Frei Bamberg emphasizes the importance of empathy and support for those fleeing dire situations. The Church acknowledges infrastructure challenges but maintains its commitment to assisting refugees, urging the Angolan government to provide necessary resources.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
