Bukavu city in Congo facing severe famine; missionaries appeal for help

Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is in a state of crisis, the pontifical news agency Fidesz reports. Local missionaries say the city has been in a state of crisis since the M23 militia took control of Bukavu on February 16.

Violence against children is on the rise and basic services are in disarray as the country plunges into hunger and neglect. The region is also suffering the consequences of severe flooding, The Associated Press reported.

Banks, schools and businesses in Bukavu, which is under M23 control, are closed. In addition, the economic crisis has worsened due to new taxes imposed on local traders. The children, who have been kept out of school for weeks, are the worst sufferers, as the constant shelling and shelling has left them traumatized.

More than 850,000 people have been displaced from their homes, most of them children, according to UNICEF. Violence against children has increased by 150% since January, according to a report.

Environmental disasters and ongoing conflict are also hampering aid efforts. Missionaries say the people here often witness horrific violence. “Yet, people are flocking to the churches, and they are clinging to God in the face of this terrible suffering,” says one missionary.