Ongoing violence in North and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is leaving a trail of death, destruction, and displacement. The sound of gunfire has become all too familiar for families in towns like Masisi Centre, where intense clashes erupted again this week between M23 rebels and local militias.

The toll is rising. At least two civilians were killed, many more injured, and families remain trapped in their homes, paralyzed by fear and unable to access necessities. Fighting has made accurate assessments nearly impossible, but the suffering is undeniable. Amid the chaos, courageous workers and local volunteers are pressing on where they can. In Sake, over 500 displaced households have received emergency hygiene and household supplies, and water points are being repaired—offering a sliver of relief in a sea of hardship.

But relief is hard to come by. In South Kivu’s Fizi Territory, the violence has surged again. Villages already sheltering thousands of displaced people—Mulima and Lusuku—are now emptying once more as new waves of fighting force families to flee. To make matters worse, the southern province of Tanganyika is now facing a rapidly growing cholera outbreak. Nine out of eleven health zones are affected. Over 1,450 people have been infected this year and 27 have died—a six-fold increase from the same period last year. With clean water nearly non-existent in many communities and health centres struggling to keep up, the crisis is intensifying.

The M23, claiming to defend the interests of Congolese Tutsis, has advanced with alarming speed—reportedly with the support of Rwandan forces. Other groups like the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) also remain active, fuelling instability that local communities have endured for far too long.

The people of eastern Congo are weary. Displaced from homes, cut off from clean water, and gripped by fear, they are facing one of the region’s darkest seasons in recent memory. For many, it feels as though the world has looked away. But their voices rise. And so must ours—in prayer, in advocacy, and in hope that justice and peace will one day take root where violence has reigned for too long.

Prayer Pointers

1. Pray: for protection, provision, and peace for civilians caught in crossfire and forced to flee their homes. “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” - Psalm 9:9

2. Pray: for an end to armed conflict and for justice to restrain those who exploit violence to maintain power. “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.” Proverbs 21:15

1. Pray: for healing, clean water, and resources to contain the cholera outbreak and strengthen overwhelmed health workers. “I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and let them enjoy abundant peace.” Jeremiah 33:6

Prayer – Praying for the weary people of Congo

Lord, have mercy on the people of Congo. Shelter the displaced, heal the wounded, stop the violence, and purge disease. Raise up justice, restore families, and stir the global Church to act with compassion, boldness, and enduring faith. Amen

More: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/04/1161861