Confronting rape as a weapon of war

Here is a good article about some work that Women for Women International is doing in Congo to combat rape, through a program aimed at focusing on men’s roles in preventing it.

‘Mama Africa’ and Congo’s orphans of war

Here is a CNN story about a Congolese Red Cross volunteer who has been taking care of orphaned and abandoned children in the DRC, and helping reunite them with their families.   Be sure to also check out the video and photo links.

Life of a Displaced Woman

Here is a short video from MSF documenting the living conditions of a Congolese woman in an IDP camp.

Is This Good?

Here  is a powerful article written by Food for the Hungry worker Lindsay Branham about her time in Congo.

Congo Student Will Put Degree to Work Back Home

Here is an inspiring story about Sarah Thontwa, a Congolese student at North Park University who has started a nonprofit organinzation called Little Things,  to benefit women and girls in her native DR Congo.

Read her story here.

DR Congo doctor is ‘top African’

A doctor from the Democratic Republic of Congo who treats women raped by combatants in the war-torn country has been named “African of the Year”. Denis Mukwege, 53, who runs a clinic in Bukavu, has said all sides have “declared women their common enemy”.

The full BBC article is here.

Report from the Masisi Area

Here is an article from the Irish Times detailing the work of Concern, an Irish NGO working in the Masisi area.  Because of the remote location, it is hard for humanitarian workers to get supplies to the displaced people.  The article has several interviews with IDPs in the area.

Full article is here.

“Manna from Heaven”

Here is a January 2 press release from World Relief detailing the relief work that has begun in the Rutshuru area, specifically delivering aid packages to 260 vulnerable families. 

Let us continue to pray for these churches and pastors as they seek God in this time of desperate need.

The full press release is available here.

Christmas massacres ‘killed 400’

More than 400 people have been killed by Ugandan rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo in attacks since Christmas day, aid agency Caritas says.  These attacks have been taking place in the northern Orientale Province of Congo.

Full BBC article is here.

Still room in the inn: Grassroots hospitality in eastern DRC

In a world that at Christmas remembers there was no room in Bethlehem for the holy family, it is the poor who make room for the stranger in the eastern Congo.

Here is an inspiring article about the way individuals and churches are reaching out in Eastern Congo to help those who are displaced.