DRC: CHURCHES CLOSED AS REBELS ATTACK KEY CITY

Christians in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are asking for prayer following recent UNREST in the country.

Earlier this week, on 26 January, rebels marched into the city of Goma in eastern DRC. They have since gained control of large parts of the city, which is home to more than a million people and strategically significant as a vital trading and transport hub. Fighting between the rebels and the DRC military has caused many to flee, while hospitals are overwhelmed with injured civilians caught in the crossfire and hundreds are feared dead. 

Several parts of Goma are without electricity and water, and telephone and internet lines have also been severed, making it difficult for Open Doors local partners to be in touch with residents affected.

Church services cancelled

As fighting continues, many activities within the city have been cancelled, including most church services. Field sources indicate that, during one of the rebel attacks, a bomb was thrown at a church in Mabanga. This report still needs to be verified.

At this stage, it is not yet evident that the rebels are specifically targeting the church – but the group has a history of targeting Christian civilians. In February 2024 the rebels found 14 Christian men working their farmland in North Kivu. The rebels demanded the men join their ranks – when they refused, the rebels killed them.

It is also clear, from previous similar incidents, that bad actors often use insecurity and instability like this to target Christians, especially converts from other faiths, with the aim of weakening the church in general.

‘Please pray’

Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors spokesperson for work in sub-Saharan Africa, said:

“Even before this attack on Goma, the people in eastern DRC have lived amidst ongoing insecurity. They are vulnerable and traumatised.

“We further call on the international Christian community to remain in prayer over the devastating situation in Goma. Pray for an end to this incursion as government at all levels diligently, impartially and transparently address the violence and its effects. Pray for the church in Goma and eastern DRC as they seek to bring physical and spiritual assistance to the affected.”