This is how it always seems to go: invasion, subjugation, domination, and finally, exploitation of natural resources. What is happening in the Eastern part of Congo is not different.
I recently traveled to Goma from Sierra Leone to be with Chantal and the local team. The journey that I took was probably the most disturbing experience of my modest career in global affairs.
As I’m leaving this region today, please be assured I’m safe. I am grateful for all your support and prayers. In reality, the courage displayed by Chantal and her team is the only reason why I decided to come here. Their bravery inspired me!
Last week when I arrived in Goma, I asked Chantal why she decided to stay, knowing the rebels were attacking the city. She answered: “Since 1996, we have been running multiple times and places. Where to go next? This time, I said to myself, I’m not going anywhere. I am staying in Goma, no matter what….”
During my short stay, I met haunted people who are struggling to survive. To say people are traumatized by recent events is an understatement. People are terrified, suffering from severe anxiety or trauma. They feel intensely vulnerable with the knowledge that anything can happen to them at any moment, at any place. But they are resilient, they have been through this for decades.
It is true that there is currently no fighting in Goma.
However, gunfire is daily heard in various parts of the city. Safety is of big concern. Many militias, government forces and allies, former prisoners, or the newcomers, all hold guns, causing a real nightmare in the community.
Fearing for his safety, our own radiologist decided to leave the city for good. Several incidents of human rights violations are reported, perpetrated by armed people. Just last night, at least 50 young men were shot in their local gym while working out. One of the prominent attorneys and a national politician’s house in Goma was burned down for unknown reasons.
Visibly, this no-peace-no-war situation is presenting new dangers and challenges.
Relations between the new rulers and the local population are already tense. On the main roads, the new local administration has a discrete police presence. According to the locals, these police officers are “unknown to them.” They don’t speak the local languages. They are communicating with them only by gestures… I’m not certain how long this will last.
The Goma airport is not expected to open until the end of May, there are still no bank activities, no humanitarian relief. Yet, the world seems to be blind and silent to the suffering of the people of Goma and surrounding regions. A million people have died, millions more are being driven to the brink by starvation and disease. Although this is still rumbling, this seems like a forgotten war.
After this series of events, I am afraid that in the coming months or so many will suffer from severe mental health consequences. While traveling to the clinic, I personally saw a dead body lying on the ground, probably shot the night before.
I left Goma safely.
While in Kigali/Rwanda, I went for a walk. It is quiet here, in contrast with what is happening in Goma or Bukavu, a few miles from Kigali. Days ago, John Legend performed a public concert in the city arena, attended by many including, President Kagame and his wife. Tonight, I’m flying home from Kigali airport with a heavy heart knowing that the Goma population and Kivu region are dying in silence.
Still, “Injustice prevails where hopelessness persists. Hope is your superpower,” said Bryan Stevenson.
Chantal and her team have hope. I’m inspired by their resilience and I am fully confident this injustice will end soon. Meanwhile, what a privilege to see Jericho Road’s work making a huge difference on the ground.
Thank you to all of you who support this work in multiple ways! God bless.
-Fidèle Menavanza, Chief Compliance and Global Health Officer
