Living under siege in Bukavu
- Randall P Garretson
- Mar 10
- 6 min read
The latest developments in Bukavu following its takeover by the rebel group M23 have sparked widespread interest of our followers and supporters. In this update, we address some of the most pressing questions raised, supported by crucial facts and statistics to keep you informed on the situation.
Is your transition home and school still open? Unfortunately, no. Operations have been suspended as most of our staff and administration have sought safety in Nairobi. Without them, the home cannot function. Leaving a home full of young women unattended is far too dangerous given the horrific acts occurring in the city.
Are your girls safe? The situation in Bukavu is complex and deeply troubling. The few girls we've been able to contact have said they are "fine," but that term feels tenuous. With no authority to protect them and severe food shortages, they are scared and largely on their own, except for those who have managed to band together. Communication has been silent for over a week, leaving us in the dark. Many of the girls have fled to distant villages, which are not safe either, but the alternative is worse.
Is your compound still yours? Yes, it remains ours. The compound is currently locked and empty of personnel. It is surrounded by tall 15-foot walls topped with barbed wire and secured by 10-foot steel doors. The windows have metal gates which are locked, and all the interior doors are locked as well. The M23 is unaware of our operation, and no attention has been drawn to the facility. Recently, we managed to send food (bags of rice, beans and oil to cook with) to the compound using money cards from foreign banks, which staff members who stayed in the city were able to collect. They were there only for a short period and the compound was intact and untouched. We are navigating the complexities of doing the same for the girls who had to flee, providing we can communicate with them and arrange safe delivery.
When will you be able to go back? This remains uncertain. We are closely monitoring the situation and praying for order to be restored. According to our contacts, "There is growing insecurity in Bukavu every day, with deaths, bodies found, and military personnel committing horrific acts against girls and women." Until security, law, and order are reestablished, the outlook remains grim, especially with the Congolese military abandoning their posts and police surrendering to the rebel group.
Should we still donate to Haven of Hope? Yes, the need will be immense when operations can resume. While the current situation, including closed banks and lack of personnel to distribute funds, prevents immediate assistance to the girls, preparation is key. Given the challenges already being faced, financial support will be crucial for providing relief when it becomes possible. It would not be feasible to quickly restart funding once the need arises, making ongoing support essential for future aid efforts.
Additionally, we must maintain lease on the compound. All our furnishings (desks, tables, beds, bunkbeds, chairs and shelving), supplies (cookware, containers and utensils), our cisterns and computers are locked up in the property and we do not want to risk it being tossed out regardless of the unusual situation we are in. It is a requirement that we pay our lease six months in advance. We just renewed in January.
What is it that we can pray for aside from the safety of the girls? Pray for "favor"—favor with God and man, and favor with our government, which we believe will soon play a role in addressing this crisis. Discussions are ongoing between the Congolese government and ours regarding exclusive mineral rights in exchange for security and stability. This raises the question: why should the United States intervene? The answer lies in Congo's unique natural resources, such as its 80% share of the world's coltan supply, critical for electronics and battery production. The U.S. could provide swift and effective security with minimal losses, and the region's geographical position also makes it a strategic location for a U.S. military base.
Some argue against involvement, but if a rival power were to step in, it could lead to significant challenges and turmoil for the United States. This echoes why we intervened in the 1960s, when the Congolese administration began aligning with the Soviet Union. History reveals the longstanding involvement of the U.S. in Congo and the potential consequences of inaction.
Finally, pray for global awareness and compassion. Allowing the world to crumble into chaos inevitably brings instability to our own borders. This is not just about one region, it’s about preserving human life, dignity, and freedom. This ongoing crisis is tantamount to genocide, and to dismiss it would be a grave disservice to humanity. To those who question our opinion and say, “Why don’t you go, then?” our answer remains: “We have, and we will again when we are able.”
Do you have any updates you can share? Mainstream media often overlooks stories that lack widespread appeal. Here's an update based on what we've shared and the information we've gathered from sources within the country:
The situation remains chaotic and confusing.
One source reports that the Congolese military has abandoned their posts in the Kivu provinces, leaving young boys armed and in charge.
Another source claims the Congolese army is fiercely fighting and defending, a key commercial cities in the north.
Regardless, Kinshasa, the nation's capital, has lost control of its eastern military forces, which are now dominated by major rebel groups like M23 and AFD, alongside over 120 other rebel and militia factions engaged in violence, theft, and killings.
The death toll has surpassed 7,000 since January, and over half a million people have been displaced.
Fleeing Congolese military personnel have looted and terrorized residents as they retreat from the Kivu’s.
The Wasalenda group, a militia of young boys, was reportedly contracted by the Congolese government to combat the invading rebels.
In Bukavu:
Many have submitted to M23 out of fear of their violence and terror.
Some welcomed M23, believing their presence offered safety by eliminating groups like the Wasalenda and street gangs.
Most city police departments have aligned with M23 to avoid worse consequences.
Those choosing to align with the rebel group are being “sent away” for retraining to correct their wrong way of living.
Grenades were tossed into crowds of people who were verbally opposing the rebel group invasion. Many were killed numerous were injured
Desperation for change has led some to hope for the overthrow of their government, despite the atrocities committed by rebel groups.
Citizens are fleeing to Burundi or the wilderness to escape forced recruitment
The 10,000-strong Burundian military, initially deployed to assist, has withdrawn due to severe resupply issues (food, water, and ammunition shortages) and abandonment by the Congolese military.
Reports of violent sexual assaults have risen by 30%, with many victims being children.
Humanitarians and environmentalists are being targeted for exposing the harsh realities of the situation.
In Lubero, 70 Christians were tied up and beheaded with machetes in a church after being held captive for a week. Locals attribute this atrocity to the AFD, a radical Islamic State group from Uganda.
Over this past weekend, 237 Christians, including children, were killed by militants in Congo.
130 sick and wounded Congolese hospital patients considered pro-government were kidnapped by the rebel group and their whereabouts and condition is unknown
The M23 Rebel group continues its advances of Congo’s east side seizing more territory
Over 90 Refugee camps were uprooted, and people were forced to leave shelter
Pro-Government Militias that operated in Congo have switched sides and joined the M23 alliance
M23 Rebel group say they intent to seize Congo’s capital Kinshasa
M23 group has been officially designated a terrorist organization by the DRC
Ugandan army has also entered Congo to secure cites amid fears of conflict spiraling out of control into a wider regional war. Their invasion is said to be an effort to protect their borders with Congo
Discussions are underway between the United States and Congolese authorities to establish a trade agreement involving mineral resources in exchange for security and stability.
We are committed to keeping you informed, though the situation is evolving so rapidly that it can be challenging to stay ahead of every update. We sincerely want to express our heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who continues to pray for us and generously provide financial support for our courageous survivors and dedicated staff members.
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