The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to endure profound suffering as communities face the combined burdens of armed conflict, displacement, and environmental degradation. In the eastern regions, ongoing violence linked to the M23 crisis has displaced countless families, while around Kinshasa, local conflicts and worsening environmental challenges deepen the hardship of daily life.
As JPIC Coordinator in the DRC, I would like to share how VIVAT members and the local Church are accompanying affected communities with compassion, solidarity, and hope.
Conflict, Displacement, and the “Mobondo” Crisis
Beyond the violence in the East, another serious conflict known locally as “Mobondo” erupted in July 2022 between the Teke and Yaka communities. These communities had long lived side by side peacefully, but land disputes, manipulation by authorities, and interference from outside interests fuelled tensions that escalated into deadly violence.
As a result, many families were forced to flee their villages, leaving behind their homes, land, and livelihoods. A significant number sought refuge in Kinshasa, particularly in the Monbele neighborhood, where two SVD parishes—St. Felix and St. Amar—have become places of shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs).
These brothers and sisters have lost almost everything: family members, property, security, and peace of mind. Many sleep outdoors, their children are unable to attend school, and there is little access to psychological support to help them cope with deep trauma.
Parish-Based JPIC Response: Listening, Solidarity, and Peacebuilding
In this painful reality, our response begins with presence.
Listening and Presence
In the two parishes of Monbele, we have created spaces for listening and dialogue. We meet with displaced families to hear their stories, their grief, and their fears. We offer not only practical support, but also a word of consolation, prayer, and faith. Simply being present helps restore a sense of dignity and belonging.
Solidarity in Action
Our parish communities are invited to practice concrete solidarity by sharing food and essential items with displaced families. Even though many parishioners themselves live in poverty, their generosity is remarkable. It is a powerful witness to the fact that solidarity is possible, even when resources are limited.
Promoting Peace, Not Revenge
In all our encounters, we strongly encourage the path of peace. We remind displaced persons not to give in to hatred, vengeance, or manipulation based on political or ethnic interests. Violence cannot heal wounds; it only deepens them.
Our goal is to promote reconciliation, rebuild trust, and strengthen peaceful coexistence where relationships have been broken. Yet the needs remain immense, and there is still insufficient support for education, trauma healing, and long-term reintegration.
Environmental Challenges in Kinshasa
Alongside conflict and displacement, Kinshasa faces serious environmental and urban crises that directly affect the dignity and well-being of its people.
Flooding and Waste Management
Recent severe flooding in the city has exposed major structural problems, including poor drainage systems, the absence of effective waste management policies, and the uncontrolled accumulation of plastic and other waste.
In response, our JPIC ministry organizes environmental education sessions, especially for young people. Parish youth groups participate in neighborhood plastic collection initiatives, while collaboration with other congregations, such as the Montfort Fathers, and the Laudato Si’ Movement helps educate schoolchildren about responsible waste management and care for our common home.
Noise Pollution
Another growing concern is noise pollution. The proliferation of loudspeakers, heavy traffic, commercial activities, and sometimes even church activities has created unhealthy, constant noise levels.
Children struggle to study, families struggle to rest, and the quality of community life suffers. Through awareness-raising, we help people recognize that excessive noise is also a form of pollution—one that harms health, relationships, and even spiritual life.
Awakening the Population
All of this takes place within a broader national context marked by corruption, weak institutions, and political tension. Yet amid these realities, our mission remains clear:
- to accompany displaced and traumatized communities
- to promote reconciliation and nonviolence
- to encourage ecological conversion through simple and practical actions
- to join wider Church and civil society efforts in advocating for peace and justice in Congo
Our task, as I see it, is to “raise awareness and awaken the population”—to the dangers of division, environmental neglect, and manipulation, and to the hope that is born when communities choose solidarity, justice, and peace.
To the wider VIVAT network, I ask for your prayers, advocacy, and solidarity with the people of the DRC, so that even amid suffering, we may continue to be instruments of God’s peace and defenders of our common home.
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