Families have fled with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.
On 13 January 2026, renewed armed violence erupted in the Pool Department of 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, has once again torn through communities around Mindouli and neighbouring villages.
Men, women, and children were forced to escape suddenly – leaving behind homes, livelihoods, and any sense of safety.
Today, 588 displaced people, the majority of them women, children, older people, and persons with disabilities, are sheltering in the remote Zulu Mbundu area of Kongo Central Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are living in extremely precarious conditions, with little access to food, safe drinking water, shelter, or basic household items.
Local host communities, themselves struggling with poverty and shortages, are doing what they can – but their resources are already stretched to breaking point.
Standing with 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. Drawing on this long presence and trust, the Redemptorists were able to act quickly.
Since their return to Kinkala in December 2022, Redemptorists in Congo-Brazzaville have worked closely with their confrères in Miyamba (DRC). As families began arriving across the border, this collaboration made it possible to carry out a rapid humanitarian and pastoral assessment and to prepare an immediate response.
An Emergency Response – and How You Can Help
The Redemptorists are now launching a three-month emergency intervention to stabilise living conditions during this critical period. The programme will prioritise the most vulnerable families and provide:
- Emergency food assistance
- Safe drinking water
- Hygiene kits and essential household items
- Blankets and tarpaulins for shelter
All assistance will follow humanitarian standards and reflect the Redemptorists’ enduring commitment to protect life and uphold human dignity.
Why Your Support Matters Now
Without swift support, this sudden displacement risks becoming a serious humanitarian crisis, threatening health, safety, and social cohesion along the Congo–DRC border.
Your contribution can make an immediate and tangible difference.
By giving today, you are helping the Redemptorists:
- respond rapidly to urgent human need
- stand with 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 to face hunger, exposure, and fear alone.
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