Fire devastates church families in eastern Congo

Key points:

• Around 100 United Methodist families lost their homes in a devastating fire on July 17 in Nyakaliba, a densely populated district of Bukavu.
• Hundreds are without shelter, including pregnant women, children, seniors and those with reduced mobility.
• Survivors are being cared for at United Methodist Irambo Health Center.
• Bishops Gabriel Yemba Unda and Antoine Kalema Tambwe are asking the United Methodist connection to support survivors in this war-torn region.

United Methodist families are among hundreds affected by a fire that ravaged a densely populated area in eastern Congo.

The Rev. Badeux Muunga, associate superintendent of the Bukavu District, described the scene as devastating. “Our hearts are broken to see so many families, including our United Methodist brothers and sisters, lose everything in an instant,” he said.

The fire broke out in the early morning hours of July 17, destroying a large part of the popular Nyakaliba District on Kaduru Avenue. The disaster left over 1,500 households homeless, including around 100 families of United Methodist Church members.

“(The district) has been ravaged,” Muunga said.

Moïse Mwango, a volunteer from the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s Disaster Management Office in eastern Congo, said the fire was massive.

Based in Bukavu, Mwango reported that entire families are now sleeping outside.

“We are currently assessing urgent needs on the ground and will report back to UMCOR’s Disaster Management Office in eastern Congo,” Mwango said. “Whenever there is a disaster situation, we work tirelessly to provide aid … with the help of UMCOR.”

Kashalile Bony, a United Methodist worshipper from Bethlehem Local Church in Kadutu, collapsed in front of the smoking ruins of his house. He said he had been unable to save his belongings.

“Everything is gone. We couldn’t save anything, not even a spoon,” Bony said. “It’s an unimaginable ordeal, but we’re clinging to God’s grace and the solidarity of our faith family.”

The Rev. Alfred Kashibongo of the Bethlehem Local United Methodist Church in Kadutu, visited the area and said the situation was alarming.

“Some people were injured, others suffered severe emotional shocks, including hypertensive crises. They have been taken to health centers,” he said.

The United Methodist Irambo Health Center in Bukavu is treating some of those affected.

Dr. Jimmy Kasongo, Irambo’s medical director, reports that over 40 United Methodists from Kadutu and Camp TV are currently receiving treatment at the facility.

“The cases of burns are numerous,” he said. “I’m asking men of good will to come to our aid.”

According to Mwango, faulty electrical installations caused the disaster. “We absolutely must raise public awareness, as a similar situation occurred last year, costing the lives of all members of the same family,” he said.

The most vulnerable are particularly hard hit by the fire, said the Rev. Badeux Muunga. He highlighted the plight of pregnant women, seniors, people with reduced mobility and children under the age of 5. “(They are) particularly exposed as they spend the night under the stars in unacceptable conditions.”

The fire devastated a region already reeling from months of increased insecurity and economic fallout. The cities of Goma and Bukavu fell under the control of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in late January and mid-February, respectively. At least eight United Methodists were killed in the fighting. United Methodist structures were attacked and looted by armed men.

Since the occupation, The United Methodist Church has stepped up its efforts to assist the displaced and vulnerable populations in the two cities.

Progress has been made in recent months toward resolving the conflict. On June 28, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a U.S.-brokered peace agreement in Washington. On July 19, the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group signed in Qatar a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire.

Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda, who is set to retire this year, and newly elected Bishop Antoine Kalema Tambwe expressed their deep sorrow at this latest disaster while attending the Mid Africa Central Conference in Kitwe, Zambia.

Unda urged the United Methodist connection to help those affected by war and other disasters.

“It’s time for United Methodists around the world to mobilize for this cause,” he said. “The suffering that our United Methodist faithful in Goma and Bukavu have been going through lately is unacceptable.”

Lolonga is a communicator with the Kivu Conference.

News media contact: Julie Dwyer at (615) 742-5470 or [email protected]. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free UM News Digests.