Twenty years of mission in one of the most violent regions of the Congo – Flama Agency

Agnieszka Gojala, a Polish nun who has been working in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for two decades, shares her experience. expertise In one of the most conflicted and violent areas of Africa. In an interview with Vatican media, the missionary explained that her vocation originated in high school, and after working as a catechist in Poland, she was sent first to Rwanda, then to Congo, where she now lives. She runs a hospital and a child feeding centre in Ntamujinga.

Their daily tasks include everything from purchasing supplies to repairing infrastructure, as well as doing so. Dangerous journeys to Goma for medicine and food Essential to the community. “These journeys are particularly dangerous because there are several rebel groups that control checkpoints in the area,” he explained. Gojala often has to negotiate to ensure that aid reaches its destination.

North Kivu is witnessing a devastating conflict. Constant, resulting from the struggle for control of valuable natural resources such as cobalt, coltan and niobium. “These riches attract more than 100 armed groups, while the civilian population suffers the consequences of violence and forced displacement, with more than 5.6 million internally displaced persons,” the sister described. Despite the presence of a UN peacekeeping mission, the situation remains highly volatile.

Missionaries, including Agnieszka, are striving to respond to the humanitarian crisis.Providing support and security to the local population. Their presence is vital.As their work includes caring for the most vulnerable groups, especially women and children. “Despite the extreme poverty and war conditions, we continue to provide medical and food assistance at their centre, which operates without interruption despite the conflict,” said Gojala.

Agnieszka and her friends They dream of permanent peace in the region.Where the land is fertile and people can live in safety and dignity. However, the growing presence of ISIS-linked jihadists from neighboring Uganda has made the situation worse. The missionary appealed to the international community for “support” and prayed “for the strength and health necessary to continue her mission in this forgotten corner of the world.”