D.R. Congo - Salesians from AFC-EST Delegation bring humanitarian aid to displaced people in Kanyaruchinya camp
Goma, D.R. Congo - April 2023 - On April 27, Salesians from the AFC-EST Delegation, through the Emergency Coordination for Displaced Persons, distributed a food ration consisting of cornmeal, beans, cooking salt, vegetable oil and soap to 320 families in Kanyaruchinya camp, north of Goma. The distribution was facilitated by the help of "Misiones Salesianas," the Salesian Mission Office in Madrid. The beneficiaries were the most vulnerable people in the camp, including the elderly, disabled, mothers and pregnant women. Fr. Augustin Mupoyi, SDB, Supervisor of Emergency Actions for Displaced Persons, promised to express his gratitude to the coordinating members and benefactors. This is the third time the Salesians have assisted especially the most vulnerable people in the camp with food and basic necessities. The last time was during the period of the great famine that hit the camp occupants earlier this year; moreover, this distribution of food rations by the Salesians comes just a week after the one made in Shasha in favor of the displaced people who settled in the courtyard of the Salesian work "Don Bosco Shasha." This IDP camp is the first and largest official camp for IDPs in Rutshuru and Nyiragongo territories, 70 and 40 kilometers north of Goma city, respectively. Despite being an officially recognized camp, assistance is sporadic and from isolated donors. The peace and stabilization process has stalled and is preventing some 800,000 displaced people from returning to their homes and ending the almost inhumane camp conditions in which they live on a daily basis.