We knew things were getting dangerously challenging when Reuters, The Telegraph and other news agencies began sharing reports across the world about the tensions that flared up in the Great Lakes region of Africa in February.
We knew that we had to call our GLO supporters to pray, and with very short notice, we saw over 400 people join us for a powerful prayer meeting on Zoom!
In the meeting, we shared how the movements of M23, a rebel group within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), had impacted millions of people on the Eastern borders of DRC as they took control of the major cities. Rwanda had been widely accused of supporting this advance, and there were serious implications as the M23 forces were approaching the border with Burundi.
As a part of this strategic prayer meeting, we were joined by Dieudonné Nahimana, leader of New Generation, a key GLO Partner. He is also a widely respected figure in Burundi and was fully up to date with the latest situation. As he shared and Simon unpacked the needs, we dug into some passionate prayer together as we could see that the tide needed to turn urgently!
The following day, the United Nations stepped up the pressure on the other neighbouring nations to cease the provocation and, at the time of writing, the rebels have stopped their advance.
However, thousands of innocent people in the DRC had already been killed, with many more driven from their homes. In the subsequent two months, more than 60,000 refugees have fled this conflict, seeking refuge in Burundi. Among them, around 1000 refugees have found shelter in the small camp of Ciremesha, located in the northwestern province of Cibitoke, near the border with the DRC.
In their time of need, GLO Partner, the Greenland Alliance, has stepped in to extend a helping hand as most of the refugees arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs, enduring harsh and difficult conditions along the journey.
Augustin, the coordinator for Greenland Alliance, shared, “The moment we stepped into the camp, our hearts sank at the sight of how they were living. Yet, despite the challenges, many would choose this over the danger back home.”
Greenland Alliance brought food and clothing, seeking to meet the physical needs of hunger and warmth, but also to bring dignity to the suffering refugees.
“We are grateful to Greenland Alliance for providing us with food and clothing, helping us survive as we wait for a new beginning. We also thank the Burundian government for offering us refuge,” said Antoine*, one of the refugees.
Despite the support, rations often fall short. David Ngomanwa, another refugee, explained the difficulty in accessing clean drinking water and medical assistance. “When we fall ill, it’s hard to get proper care, especially since leaving the camp is complicated. We pray for better medical support and mosquito nets to protect our families.”
Amidst these hardships, Augustin was able to share the Word of God, offering encouragement and hope to those in the camp. In the face of such adversity, the refugees of Ciremesha continue to demonstrate resilience and faith, reminding us that God’s light shines even in the darkest of times.
The needs remain great, so please continue to hold the region in prayer, remembering all the individuals tragically impacted by this conflict. We trust in God’s provision as we stand together, extending love and support in their time of greatest need.
