World Vision urges caution over apparent cease fire in Eastern Congo

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo (November 5, 2013)-- World Vision welcomes the pledge by the M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo to disarm and demobilize.

More than 800,000 people having been forced to flee their homes in the last year to avoid the conflict between the rebels and the government.

Davies Bishi, World Vision Food Assistance Manager, said: "We’re encouraged by attempts to restore peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, however there’s a long way to go before normal life can resume."

“Displaced families living in internally displaced people camps are unsure of whether the conflict is actually over - some are sending a family member home to assess the situation before returning to their villages."

“The last 20 months of conflict has left a humanitarian legacy that will continue long after the latest violence has ended.”

Holly Frew

Media Relations Manager, International News

World Vision U.S. News Bureau

Office: +1.202.572.6323

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Twitter: @WorldVisionNews & @hollyfrew