wfn.org | ACT Works amid Renewed Conflict in Congo

[Frank Imhoff <FRANKI@elca.org>]

Reply-To: ElcaNews <ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG>
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

September 2, 1998

ACT WORKS AMID RENEWED CONFLICT IN CONGO
98-31-181-AH

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Action by Churches Together (ACT) has been in
regular contact with its members in the Democratic Republic of Congo
(formerly Zaire) since the rebellion was launched throughout the country.
Christian Aid and Dutch Interchurch Aid, ACT members, are providing
emergency assistance throughout areas of South Kivu and North Kivu.
     ACT-related staff and offices have remained in Bukavu and Goma.  ACT
is a worldwide network of churches, including the Lutheran World
Federation, meeting human need through coordinated emergency response.
     While most expatriates have evacuated the rebel-held Bukavu to
Rwanda, two international agencies have chosen to remain in the city,
ACT-Christian Aid and Save the Children-UK.  Christian Aid is collaborating
with local partners on emergency needs assessments.   The primary focus is
to gather information and judge the need for food, ACT reports.
     Christian Aid is ensuring the safety of project staff and
establishing working relationships with the current authorities.  Present
insecurity prevents access in many areas, ACT reports, but the hope is that
during the coming days Christian Aid staff will return to a normal schedule
of work, including longer-term planning as well as short-term emergency
work.
     ACT reports some expatriates in Goma have been allowed to evacuate to
Rwanda.  Dutch Interchurch Aid says the overall situation in Goma remains
calm, and its representative will remain there to continue working with
local church and other agency partners.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director 1-773-380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html