World Vision urges caution over apparent ceasefire in Eastern Congo

Highlights

  • World Vision welcomes the pledge by the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo to disarm and demobilize.
Internally displaced people queue in the camp at Mugunga
Internally displaced people queue in the camp at Mugunga, DRC, 10 kilometers from Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu province. Families have been fleeing since early in July when they saw rebels taking positions. ©2013 Aimee N'simire Manimani/World Vision

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (November 5, 2013) — World Vision welcomes the pledge by the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo to disarm and demobilize.

More than 800,000 people having been forced to flee their homes in the last year to avoid the conflict between the rebels and the government.

“We’re encouraged by attempts to restore peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, however there’s a long way to go before normal life can resume. Displaced families living in internally displaced people camps are unsure of whether the conflict is actually over – some are sending a family member home to assess the situation before returning to their villages. The last 20 months of conflict has left a humanitarian legacy that will continue long after the latest violence has ended.” said Davies Bishi, World Vision Food Assistance Manager based in Goma.

About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.