Food, blankets part of initial response
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is preparing emergency relief for tens of thousands of displaced persons who fled their homes near Goma along the border between Congo and Rwanda. The aid is coming after an outbreak of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s North Kivu province.
ADRA’s emergency response will provide food, blankets and other items to internally displaced persons in the region. Fighting between government and rebel troops has caused a food scarcity and left thousands hungry.
“Food prices have soared more than 50 percent in Goma, and food is barely available for purchase,” said Romain Kenfack, country director for ADRA in Goma.
Widespread security concerns continue to be a problem for aid workers, limiting access to supplies and assistance.
“The situation is very tense,” Kenfack said. “People are still very much afraid.”
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the fate of at least 50,000 people remains uncertain as several refugee camps near the town of Rutshuru, 56 miles north of Goma, have been reportedly looted and burned.
Approximately 250,000 persons were displaced during the last two months, resulting in a total of nearly one million refugees in the Congo, the United Nations said.
For more information, visit adra.org.
