Help Congo's Children Find Peace Again
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Help Congo's Children Find Peace Again
AID TO THE CRY OF THE OPPRESSED IN AFRICA (ACOA)
Dear Friends, Humanitarians, and Global Citizens,
What is happening in Eastern Congo is not a war—it is a massacre.
We are Aid to the Cry of the Oppressed in Africa (ACOA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Harrisonburg, Virginia, dedicated to advocating for and providing humanitarian relief to the most vulnerable populations in Africa and beyond.
Our Mission
ACOA is committed to rehabilitating and empowering those affected by war, violence, and displacement. Our work focuses on:
- Children and orphans left without care or shelter
- Elderly individuals who have lost everything
- People with physical and intellectual disabilities facing neglect
- Single mothers struggling to survive
- Victims of sexual violence and war
- Internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in dire conditions
Through emergency relief, education, healthcare, and sustainable programs, we strive to restore hope, dignity, and self-sufficiency.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Since 1996, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been plagued by violence, war, and exploitation. But today, the suffering has reached an unimaginable level.
On January 27, 2025, the city of Goma (North Kivu Province) fell into the hands of the M23 rebel group, deepening an already horrific humanitarian disaster. The city is in chaos, and thousands are dying while the world watches in silence.
On February 14, 2025—a Friday night—the city of Bukavu (South Kivu Province) also fell into rebel hands, becoming the second major city overtaken by M23. The rebels are forcing children as young as 12 to fight; looting is rampant, and women are being raped at gunpoint.
The war in North and South Kivu is causing severe human rights violations:
Children abandoned by parents or guardians in displacement camps.
Pregnant women giving birth without any medical assistance.
Elderly people left behind and dying from bullets and bombings.
Inmates burned alive in Munzenze Central Prison, including women and children.
Revolutionary voices silenced, like the assassination of artist IDENGO "Delcat" in his home.
Widespread rape, looting, and murder committed by both rebel groups and government forces.
The Reality on the Ground
The statistics are staggering:
- Over 3,000 people were killed in Goma alone (UN Report).
- Corpses litter the streets, turning the city into an open cemetery.
- Homes looted, destroyed, or illegally occupied.
- Humanitarian vehicles seized, preventing aid delivery.
- Children forcibly conscripted into armed groups.
- Women and girls endure systematic sexual violence.
- Displacement camps dismantled, leaving thousands homeless.
- Explosive devices pose ongoing risks to civilians.
- Widespread trauma: children suffer from nightmares, anxiety, and malnutrition.
This is not just a crisis—this is a human catastrophe.
How You Can Save Lives
Your support can bring life-saving relief and restore hope to those who have lost everything.
Every dollar you donate will go directly to:
- Emergency food aid for families facing starvation.
- Clean water to prevent the spread of diseases.
- Medical care for the injured, sick, and traumatized.
- Safe shelters for those displaced by war.
- Psychosocial support to help survivors heal.
- Dignity kits for women and girls who have suffered unimaginable violence.
Take Action Now
Your action today can save a life tomorrow.
DONATE NOW: No amount is too small.
SHARE: Spread the word across social media.
ADVOCATE: Speak up about the Congo crisis.
PRAY: Keep the suffering Congolese people in your prayers.
Together, we can be the sunshine in their storms.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity and compassion.
With Gratitude,
The ACOA Team
"When the world stays silent, humanity loses its voice."
Organizer
Francois Mukumbilwa
Organizer
Harrisonburg, VA
Aid To the Cry of the Oppressed in Africa
Beneficiary