Escalation of violence in the Congo displaces 400,000 people in five weeks, millions internally in North and South Kivu provinces.
In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), conflict is worsening, forcing hundreds of thousands to flee. According to the UNHCR, 400,000 people have been displaced this year alone, adding to the 4.6 million already seeking refuge in North and South Kivu. To date, at least 900 people have lost their lives and the figures are expected to increase.
As people flee, some find refuge over the border in neighboring Uganda. The UNHCR Refugee Arrival Monitoring Dashboard reports that Uganda receives a daily average of 270 refugees from DRC since January 1, 2025.
During this crisis, the Global Partnership team at The United Church of Canada is centring its response on global partners. Last week, ACT Alliance members issued a Call for Increased Support, given the rising violence and death tolls. As a member of ACT Alliance, The United Church of Canada is accompanying Église du Christ au Congo (ECC)—a Mission and Service partner—who are providing food, shelter, clean water, and mental health support to affected communities. ECC, a member of ACT Alliance, is also responding through the current ACT Alliance Appeal – CEA241.
The ACT Alliance Appeal raises funds to support displaced people, particularly women and children in the DRC. The Global Partnership team asks for you to pray for the people and partners who are in the midst of this crisis, and to donate through the Global Emergency Response Fund.
Pray also for the Congolese-Canadian members of the United Church across Canada who may have family and friends who are vulnerable to the conflict.
Prayer for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
God of peace and justice, of comfort and grace,
we lift up to you the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
particularly those affected by the escalating conflict in the eastern region.
We pray for an end to the violence, displacement, and humanitarian crisis
that has left millions in need of assistance.
We remember the over 400,000 people displaced this year alone,
the 4.6 million internally displaced people in North and South Kivu, and
the countless others who have fled to neighboring countries seeking refuge.
We pray for the safety and well-being of those who have been forced to flee their homes, and
for those who have returned home only to find that their loved ones were killed.
We pray for the humanitarian workers who are risking their lives to provide aid and support.
We call upon you, O Creator, to bring peace and stability to the region, and
to inspire African and world decision makers, leaders and policymakers
to work towards a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.
We pray for global partners Eglise du Christ au Congo and the ACT Alliance and other faith-based, civil society and humanitarian organizations working tirelessly to provide assistance to those affected, and for the generous support of donors and partners.
We also pray for:
the protection of civilians, especially women and children, from violence and exploitation;
the restoration of basic services, such as food, water, shelter, electricity, and healthcare;
the wisdom and courage of leaders to address the root causes of the conflict;
the generosity and compassion of the global community to respond to the humanitarian crisis;
and lasting peace to enable local communities to rebuild and recover.
May your love, compassion, and mercy be upon the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and may your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds.
We pray all these through the name of Jesus Christ.
Amen