The Catholic Church in Angola has announced its readiness to welcome refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo as conflict escalates. Sister Carla Luísa Frei Bamberg highlighted efforts to assist those fleeing violence, particularly in border regions. Despite challenges such as limited infrastructure and resource constraints, the Church is committed to providing support and ensuring that refugees are treated with dignity and compassion.
In light of the burgeoning conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Catholic Church in Angola has expressed its readiness to assist refugees escaping the turmoil. Sister Carla Luísa Frei Bamberg, Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants, confirmed that the Church is mobilized, particularly in the border dioceses of Uíge and Mbanza Congo, to offer support to those in need.
The ongoing violence, spurred by confrontations between Congolese security forces and militant factions like the M23 rebels, is compounded by historical ethnic tensions and a struggle for territorial dominance. Recent reports noted that M23 fighters captured key areas, including Bukavu and Goma, leading to the displacement of over 400,000 individuals in just three weeks, with existing IDP numbers already exceeding four million.
Testimonies from displaced individuals, such as Melchisedeck Batumike and Dezonga Mapenzi, highlight the dire circumstances they face, with concerns about personal safety and medical care. During this tumultuous time, the M23 issued a statement urging the terrified populace to remain calm, while local trust in both insurgent and government forces continues to be contentious.
Amid escalating violence, thousands are fleeing to neighboring countries, with the Catholic Church in Angola proactively developing strategies for accommodating Congolese refugees. Sister Bamberg reiterated their readiness to meet incoming individuals with compassion and assistance, emphasizing that refugees should be regarded as brothers and sisters in need.
Despite the challenges posed by limited infrastructure and ongoing humanitarian crises, Sister Bamberg stressed the Church’s commitment to helping refugees, acknowledging the critical necessity for basic provisions such as food, shelter, and water. The Angolan border, which extends around 1,500 miles, presents complexities in managing refugee entry while safeguarding human rights amid the vulnerabilities of border crossings.
Furthermore, Sister Bamberg noted that other geopolitical conflicts have drained international aid resources, complicating the situation for refugees from the DRC. However, preparations are underway at the grassroots level, with pastoral agents across various dioceses being trained to facilitate the reception of refugees and ensure they receive necessary referrals to appropriate authorities.
In conclusion, the Catholic Church in Angola is poised to support the influx of refugees fleeing conflict in the DRC. Through Sister Bamberg’s leadership, the Church aims to provide care and resources, underscoring the humanitarian need for dignity and safety for those displaced. As conflict persists, the Church remains committed to training local pastoral agents to assist vulnerable populations and address the immediate challenges faced by refugees.
Original Source: cruxnow.com
