Urgent Action: Aid for the Eastern DR Congo Crisis

My name is Shingo Ogawa, and I am the Director of Overseas Operations at Terra Renaissance, where I oversee our work in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The DR Congo, located in Central Africa, is rich in nature and covered by vast grasslands and jungles. However, due to conflict since 1998, it has suffered the highest number of deaths in the world since World War II (over 5.4 million), and it is estimated that more than 30,000 children under the age of 18 have been forced to fight as soldiers. In the past 20 years, at least 200,000 women have been victims of sexual violence, and the eastern region where we operate remains in turmoil.

Behind this conflict lies a struggle for interests among neighboring countries and developed nations over natural resources, including rare metals (mineral resources of high value). For example, South Kivu Province is rich in mineral resources such as gold, tin, and tantalum, which are used as components in cell phones, but these resources are illegally exported and serve as a source of funding for armed groups.

Terra Renaissance established an office in DRC in 2006 and has been working to support former child soldiers and victims of conflict and disasters. In particular, we have been supporting their self-reliance by utilizing familiar technologies and local resources, such as sewing, livestock farming, and honey sales. We have supported households that have taken in former child soldiers and orphans by providing livestock farming techniques, such as goat rearing.

As a result, they have been able to purchase school supplies with the profits from selling these animals. Many Congolese children, facing poverty, join armed groups and participate in raids and looting to survive. Securing sources of income and creating a situation where people can live without taking up arms is vital from the perspective of conflict prevention.

In addition, a female victim of the conflict was able to open a shop and earn income after receiving technical training in sewing. "I'm glad I'm alive. I feel like someone needs me." These are her words, expressing gratitude for a customer's simple 'thank you.'

Eastern Congo is blessed with abundant water and greenery, as well as mineral resources, and people once lived there peacefully, but despite the widespread destruction caused by the conflict and unexpected setbacks such as natural disasters, the spread of the new coronavirus, and soaring prices, the local people work hard to live with pride and continue to take steps toward self-reliant lives.

And now, the attack on eastern Congo by the rebel group M23. M23 has taken control of Goma in North Kivu Province and has also invaded South Kivu Province, where we operate. As a result, many civilians have lost their lives, and access to food, clothing, shelter, and medical care has been severely restricted. The hope for peace that the people have steadily built up is now on the verge of collapse. 

The recent attack on eastern Congo by the rebel group M23 is adding to the existing challenges. M23 has taken control of Goma in North Kivu Province and has also invaded South Kivu Province, where we operate. As a result, many civilians have lost their lives, and access to food, clothing, shelter, and medical care has been severely restricted. The hope for peace that the people have steadily built up is now on the verge of collapse.

Now, we will first provide emergency humanitarian assistance to those affected as quickly as possible to protect as many lives and livelihoods as possible. To do this, we need funds. Please support our activities through donations.

Links:

• Our instagram