Arriving in Goma

Thursday 20th November 2008

Hi all,

We arrived in Goma this morning after a long trip via Kigali and Bukavu. The 6 hour car ride, with a taxi driver called ‘Chance’ was beautiful, although very long and bumpy. The Rwandans are currently protesting across the country to the detaining of some Rwandan diplomats suspected of involvement in the Rwandan genocide, so we came across several demonstrations- we were pleased we were not French or German (not for the first time)!
After a very difficult border crossing, we crossed over to Bukavu where we met with the DMT staff. After a security and assignment briefing, we took a 2 hour boat ride on Lake Kivu to Goma accompanied by the Country representative, Sadiki.
The day in Goma has consisted primarily been getting introduced and briefed by partners. One of our partners HEAL Africa have just got back from distributing aid to pregnant women and babies behind the rebel lines north of Goma, and they had some great stories and pictures which we were able to send to the DEC media team. Despite it still being very volatile and uncertain, it seems there is access to behind the rebel lines and both our partners (PPSSP and HEAL Africa) are doing a great job responding with the funds we have given them. Gary had an interview with SABC at 6pm, and we may possibly have to do some media on Sunday for BBC 4.
There is a lot of diplomatic activity here with the UK Defence in Goma yesterday and Spanish foreign minister today. We hope this will result in a peaceful resolution to what has been an awful ordeal for the thousands and thousands of re-displaced population, especially the women and children who have suffered terrible crimes over the past few weeks and months.
Please pray for peace in DRC, especially the talks currently being brokered by the UN. Also please pray that the military on both sides of the conflict will be disciplined to hold to the ceasefire and stop looting and raping the local population. Please pray for our partners that they will really hear from God what they need to be doing at this time.