As Bishop of Goma, moved by pastoral solicitude, I follow closely, with dismay, the security developments in the city of GOMA. I am disgusted to learn of the bombings, among others, of the neonatal department of the Hôpital General Charité maternelle, causing the death of newborn babies, and the bombing of the concession of the diocesan procure, destroying the windows of the new building that was recently inaugurated. I deplore the looting, by the population and sometimes by the military, of a number of shops and warehouses. This is exacerbating the already deplorable humanitarian situation.
I call on all parties involved in the current armed conflict, as well as the population, to show absolute respect for human life and for private and public infrastructures, which must be respected by all in all circumstances, in accordance with human dignity and international law.
In particular, I ask everyone to guarantee the protection of life and access to basic services for all, and to avoid sexual violence.
In this grave hour, I reassure the entire population of Goma of the closeness and compassion of the Catholic Church, feeling close, in a special way, to the injured and the families of the victims. In this sense, I urge the clergy and the consecrated, as well as the faithful and all people of good will, to kindly lend the necessary help to anyone in need.
Confident that further violence will not occur, I implore the Lord, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Congo, to grant us peace at this time of distress.
Goma, 27 January 2025
Mgr Willy NGUMBI NGENGELE
Bishop of Goma
