Over the past two decades, the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused millions of refugees to flee to the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri.

In the North Kivu province in Goma, refugees are plagued by pain and hardship, marked by insecurity and extreme hunger. The refugees, once self-sustaining farmers, now find themselves socially and economically poor, simply trying to survive the day in inhumane situations where death is a constant reality. 

The urgent need to provide food quickly became the number-one priority for the Franciscan Missions in the area, with the goal of alleviating the immediate suffering of the refugees.

 

Food Delivery to Hundreds of Marginalized Refugees 

With the support and assistance of the Frianciscan Missions, friars were able to provide food to 460 vulnerable households throughout three locations in the Lushgala refugee camp in Goma. 

Hundreds of households in the Lushagala Camp benefitted from this project, particularly the most vulnerable, including orphans, widows, the disabled, and the elderly. The mission was carried out with dignity, security, and a spirit of humility and simplicity. 

The Franciscan Missions will continue to provide food assistance on an ongoing basis, as this basic necessity is a constant need for refugees in the area.