The Congolese have been victims of ongoing conflict
- Since 1997, more than 5 million have died
- 40,000 women have been raped
- Over 1,4 million people are currently displaced inside the country
- Between 1997 and 2003, 9 African countries and some 30 armed groups fought a bloody war in the country
- This war was the biggest in the history of contemporary Africa and caused the largest loss of life since World War II
August 2008 saw a resurgence of hostilities with intense fighting between government troops and rebel groups. Over 250,000 people were forced to flee, including nearly 100,000 in the last week when rebels took control of part of the region and attacked the regional capital of Goma. This grim situation accelerated day by day.
Displaced people roam the countryside unprotected, needing shelter, food, water and medical care. Indeed, even their temporary camps are not safe. The greatest challenge for humanitarian aid workers remains access to displaced persons’ camps. Their ability to do their work depends on the level of violence, the amount of roadblocks and the accessibility of remote areas.
