The City of Brussels has launched a large-scale fundraising campaign to assist the people in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with essential supplies such as clothing.
For decades, unceasing violence has been consuming the eastern part of the nation, a situation that continues to exacerbate. The organisation SOSRDCONGO manages fundraising efforts, and the campaign will run until Wednesday 3 April. Depending on the number of items collected, this timeframe could be extended.
"There is an urgent need to collect goods at a time when the situation is worsening and the M23 rebels are taking control of part of eastern Congo," stated the College of Burgomasters and Aldermen.
The initiative has been set up within Palace 1 of the Brussels Expo, following a request from Mayor Philippe Close. The objective of the fundraiser is "to gather financial and material resources for the population of eastern Congo," explained coordinator Dido Lakama.
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Conditions are very dire and individuals lack basic necessities. "The people of eastern Congo truly lack everything, from toothpaste and clothing to food," added Lydia Mutyebele, the City of Brussels Councillor for Housing, Public Heritage and Equal Opportunities.
Furthermore, Mutyebele highlighted the international community’s failure to clarify its stance on the conflict. She called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hadja Lahbib, to stand against the violent acts of the M23 rebel group. "There needs to be a strong diplomatic condemnation," she argued.
