Fluctuating security

The beginning of 2023 has been unsettling in and around Goma. A few weeks ago the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels made significant advances to the west of the city. They came within 2km of Sake, the last major settlement before Goma, where we have recently planted a church. If they had taken Sake they would have fulfilled their major objective of cutting off Goma from all sides to force negotiations with the government.

However, in a minor miracle, the Congolese army fought back, with the help of East African Community forces, various other local militia and the Eastern European mercenaries that have recently been seen in and around the city. But not before more mass displacement, general panic, rising food costs, politicians leaving town and some NGOs evacuating non-essential staff.

Further away from Goma in recent weeks two of our archdeacons have fled into the forest as more and more stories of revenge attacks and atrocities at the hands of the M23 are being documented. Our rural Bible School remains closed, and many of the primary and secondary schools have been closed since November last year.

The population is exhausted, impoverished, trapped and wondering how long this can all last. Most people experience some kind of ongoing trauma. Another archdeacon wrote a message this week, “We are a bit safe. We have continued to endure and have not run away. Many Christians have fled to Goma and to other cities. We are just worried.”

The UN, EU, USA, and various regional bodies are all piling on the pressure. But all of the peace talks with demands and promises to end the fighting have so far come to nothing. The next date for the rebels to fully withdraw is 30th March. To varying degrees this been life for the populations of eastern Congo since 1996 and the vast majority know no different. And with the ongoing regional conflict over Congo’s spoils is hard to see how and when it will be resolved.

The city of Goma is safe. The airport is well protected. The rebels are now over 30-50km away, and the vast majority of the population goes about life as normal. Schools and shops are open. People are building houses and getting married. The greater worries are the weekly strikes in a city where people live hand to mouth, the rising cost of living and the increasing number of relatives arriving from the conflict areas.

Voter registration

In the midst of all of this the DRC is gearing up for elections in December this year. Voter registration has started across Africa’s second largest country of 90 million people. Someone recently told me that there are more than 1500 political parties. In the east with our displaced populations and rebel-held territories registration has been patchy at best. We are just at the beginning and no doubt there will be more drama as the election year unfolds.

Consecration postponed

As a result of the uncertain security situation, Martin’s consecration as bishop has been postponed. We don’t yet have a new date, but we are hoping April, or at the latest May. On the plus side, we weren’t altogether fully ready for the ceremony on 12th March, and a delay could enable a greater measure of peace so that more people can come from across the diocese to celebrate together.

We went with the local MP (who is a lay canon at the Anglican cathedral) to see the military governor who assured us of his support. The above photo is of the obligatory press briefing following the audience, for which a ‘voluntary’ contribution is expected for ‘transport’ if you want to see your news in any media outlet. From L-R Honorable Mwanga, bishop elect and the diocesan secretary. In the background, Lake Kivu.

Our prayer is that the whole day (4 hour service followed by food) will be a time of celebration, unity and hope in difficult and dark times. Even in our archdeaconries where life is tough and many have fled, they are in the process of giving what they can for the consecration. The election of a new bishop is such a significant event in the life of the diocese, as well as for the clergy and individual believers. Especially having been without a bishop for 3 years.

The delay to the ceremony also gives friends and supporters a little longer to contribute to the success of the ceremony if they so wish. To give please follow this link. Thank you so much to those who have given already.

How can you pray?

• For lasting peace in eastern Congo

• For preparations for the consecration, and that it would be sooner rather than later!

• For our pastors as they care for and comfort and counsel their church members, and in many cases do what they can to provide for their material needs.

Thank you, as always, for reading, praying, giving and keeping in touch

Martin, Anthea, Silas, Zachary and Imogen