Religious sisters in Goma, DRC, are experiencing trauma from ongoing conflicts with M23 rebels. The violence has led to thousands of deaths and displacement, with healthcare facilities also suffering devastating consequences. Despite severe challenges, the sisters remain committed to serving their communities and are pleading for prayers and international support to aid their efforts.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has displaced many citizens, particularly following clashes between M23 rebels and government forces. Recently, a group of religious sisters near Goma has expressed their fear and trauma from the violence, particularly after M23 captured Goma city in January 2025. One Ursuline Sister of Tildonk shared their harrowing experiences, noting, “The gunfire was intense, and we narrowly escaped death.”
The civil unrest has resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 3,000 fatalities reported and hundreds of thousands displaced. The M23 rebel group, reportedly supported by Rwandan troops, continues to expand its control, including capturing Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. The rebels argue that their mission is to protect marginalized Tutsis and Congolese citizens of Rwandan origin, although analysts suspect their objective lies in seizing valuable mineral resources.
Some of the sisters described their near-death experiences during the fighting. One nun recounted how bullets narrowly missed her during continuous bombings and gunfire in Goma. She expressed her gratitude for surviving, stating, “I thank God for my survival,” and reaffirming her desire to help those affected by the war.
Healthcare facilities in Goma have also been severely impacted. A nurse revealed that an artillery attack struck their hospital’s maternity ward, resulting in tragic casualties among innocent patients. She called for international support to restore healthcare services, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance: “We urgently need assistance to rebuild our health care infrastructure.”
Moreover, the psychological impact of the violence weighs heavily on the religious sisters. One nun, a clinical psychologist, shared her efforts in providing care, noting the challenging emotional toll on her peers. Despite the trauma, many sisters remain dedicated to their mission, favoring service over displacement. “Even in the face of fear and trauma, we remain committed to serving our community,” stated an Ursuline sister.
The sisters collectively depend on prayers and community support as they navigate these turbulent times, hoping for peace and stability in the DRC while maintaining their commitment to assist those in need.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has led to tremendous suffering and displacement, particularly affecting the lives of religious sisters who have committed themselves to serve their communities amidst the violence. As they face both physical and psychological challenges, these sisters continue to call for support and prayers to enhance their ability to provide care and assistance. The need for international intervention in the healthcare sector and a resolution to the ongoing conflict is urgent to restore hope and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.globalsistersreport.org
