(ANS – Goma) – On the night between 19 and 20 November 2012, the M23 rebels occupied Goma. More than a year later, with the war officially ended, there are still many problems. However, the work of the Don Bosco Centre in Goma continues. In a few days’ time they will begin celebrations to mark 25 years of service to young people and those most in need.

A year ago, the rebels took Goma for ten days but then retreated a few kilometres from the city. In the Don Bosco Centre over 10,000 displaced people were given shelter. These have gradually returned to their villages or refugee camps around Goma.

The presence of the M23 rebels on the outskirts of the city was a source of continued suffering for the people. In May and again in August, Goma was hit by bombs that claimed many victims. With every resumption of fighting, there were new waves of refugees.

Now, officially, the war is over. The M23 rebels were defeated and retreated to Rwanda and Uganda. Their movement has been dissolved. But in North Kivu there are still some thirty armed groups, many of them hiding in the forest where it will be difficult to find them and get rid of them. It becomes more necessary than ever for the government to launch a development policy in the region, so that everyone can enjoy the rich resources of the soil in North Kivu. "The wars of North Kivu have an evident economic cause," says Fr Peter Gavioli, Rector of the Salesian community.

The bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi will meet in Goma on 1 December to launch a peace initiative promoted by the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church.     

The commitment to peace, along with the total development of the population, and in particular of children, is what characterizes the Don Bosco Centre. The Red Cross constantly brings unaccompanied young people to the Salesians, former child soldiers and children affected by war. They remain here for as long as is necessary until a relative is found.

The Don Bosco Centre has been doing this service since 1988, welcoming the young people and giving them an education. "This year we celebrate the 25^th anniversary of the Centre. It is a time to thank the Lord and all those who have helped us over the past 25 years to welcome and give free education to approximately 40,000 children and young people at risk or in need. It is also a time to renew our commitment to remain at the service of the most vulnerable," says Fr Gavioli.

Published 29/11/2013