On Tuesday, 26 January 2025, rebels marched into the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They have since gained control of large parts of the city. The Congolese army has responded, and fighting in the city has caused many to flee. Hospitals are overwhelmed with injured civilians caught in the crossfire and hundreds are feared dead.
Rebels of the M23 movement have taken control of strategic parts of Goma, the capital of North Kivu in eastern DRC. Open Doors’ local partners report that rebels have also taken over large areas in the Nyirangongo, Rutshuru, Walikale, and Lubero territories in North Kivu.
On Sunday, several parts of Goma went without electricity and water as fighting ensued between the rebels and Congolese military. Telephone and internet lines have been severed.
Various news sources report bodies in the streets of Goma and hundreds more wounded as the fighting continues. Local UN workers also report sexual assaults by rebels.
CHRISTIAN LIVES LOST
Most church programmes have been cancelled in the wake of the violence. It’s currently unclear if the rebels are specifically targeting churches; however, rebels have killed Christian civilians, further exacerbating the insecurity of our brothers and sisters.
“Open Doors strongly condemns the attack on civilians and joins the calls on government at all levels to keep civilians safe and do everything in their power to restore peace to Goma” says Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors’ spokesperson for Sub-Saharan Africa.
“The international community must do all in its power to prevent this current situation from developing into a long-lasting geopolitical crisis. Even before this attack on Goma, the people in eastern DRC have lived amidst ongoing insecurity. They are vulnerable and traumatised. The immediate and long-term human cost of the violence must not be allowed to continue in this manner.”
Jo adds: “We further call on the international Christian community to remain in prayer over the devastating situation in Goma. Pray for an end to this incursion as government at all levels diligently, impartially, and transparently address the violence and its effects. Pray for the Church in Goma and eastern DRC as she seeks to bring physical and spiritual assistance to the affected.”
Pray for the DRC
- Pray for God to bring calm and quiet to M23 rebels.
- Pray for government security to be efficient in securing Goma.
- Pray for Christians in affected areas to remain steadfast in their faith despite the insecurity.
*Names changed for security purposes
Stay updated with the latest prayer requests from the persecuted church.
