On January 18, the Holy Father Leo XIV said in the Angelus: “Today I wish to recall in particular the great hardships suffered by the people of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, forced to flee their country, especially to Burundi, due to violence and facing a grave humanitarian crisis. Let us pray that dialogue for reconciliation and peace may always prevail between the parties in conflict.”
The Pope’s words were motivated by the fact that on January 13, 2026, a wave of armed violence erupted in the Department of Pool, in the Republic of Congo, forcing hundreds of civilians to flee their homes in fear. The fighting, linked to long-standing tensions between government forces and former Ninja fighters loyal to Pastor Ntumi, once again devastated communities around Mindouli and neighbouring villages.
Men, women, and children were forced to flee suddenly, abandoning homes, livelihoods, and any sense of safety.
Currently, 588 displaced people, most of them women, children, elderly people, and people with disabilities, have taken refuge in the remote Zulu Mbundu area of Central Congo province, Democratic Republic of Congo. They are living in extremely precarious conditions, with little food, drinking water, shelter, or basic necessities.
Local host communities, themselves struggling with poverty and hardship, are doing what they can, but their resources are already stretched to the limit.
Redemptorists stand alongside families in crisis
For decades, the Redemptorist Vice Province of Matadi (RVPM) has accompanied communities along this fragile cross-border region, responding to repeated waves of displacement caused by violence in the Pool region. Thanks to this long-standing presence and trust, the Redemptorists have been able to act quickly.
Since their return to Kinkala in December 2022, the Redemptorists in Congo-Brazzaville have worked closely with their confreres in Miyamba (DRC). With the arrival of families across the border, this collaboration has allowed for a rapid humanitarian and pastoral assessment and the preparation of an immediate response.
An emergency response: how you can help
The Redemptorists are now launching a three-month emergency intervention to stabilize living conditions during this critical period. The program will prioritize the most vulnerable families and provide:
- Emergency food assistance
- Safe drinking water
- Hygiene kits and household essentials
- Blankets and tarps for shelter
All aid will follow humanitarian standards and reflect the Redemptorists’ ongoing commitment to protecting life and upholding human dignity.
Why your support matters now
Without rapid support, this sudden displacement risks turning into a major humanitarian crisis, threatening health, security, and social cohesion along the Congolese-Democratic Republic of the Congo border.
Your contribution can make an immediate and tangible difference.
With a donation today, you help the Redemptorists to:
- respond rapidly to urgent human needs.
- stand by the families who have lost everything.
- protect dignity, health, and hope in the midst of violence.
Together, we can ensure that families fleeing conflict are not left alone to face hunger, vulnerability, and fear.
To help, see the Redemptorists in Africa page:
https://www.africaredemptorists.com/
