The next Gathering Point for Congo will be held on May 19th. The focus will again be on refugees, with the Cohere team calling in from a refugee camp in Burundi.
These gatherings prioritise listening and relationship-building over outdated and ineffective models of aid, offering a space for genuine solidarity and shared understanding. All are welcome—especially those seeking a more human way to respond to the crisis.
Everyone is welcome – cameras on or off. We are focusing on building connections first and foremost before financial aid, so if you want to help sign up and share the link with others.
If you can’t make it you can also support our campaign https://lnkd.in/e6C_X-Jc
UPDATE 4TH MARCH 2025: Due to the kind support of donors we have been able to send the funds raised so far to Fountain of Hope in Bukavu and Goma. The team there have been able to use the funds to support children from the destroyed displacement camp outside Goma with basic provisions and shelter.
The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is escalating rapidly, with intense fighting between M23 rebels and government forces in the East of the country. The violence has left many dead and injured, while displacement, food insecurity, and infrastructure breakdowns worsen the suffering of civilians.
- Hundreds of casualties: The United Nations estimates that approximately 7,000 people have been killed in the region since January, with a significant number of civilians among the deceased.
- A healthcare emergency: Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed, facing severe shortages of medical supplies and staff.
- Mass displacement: Over 700,000 people have fled their homes since January, adding to the millions already displaced in eastern DRC.
- Food insecurity: Blocked roads and resource shortages have left families struggling to access basic nutrition.
- Humanitarian access restricted: Key roads and Goma’s airport are unusable, hampering relief efforts.
How Your Support Helps
Local Refugee-Led Organisations (RLOs) are leading the response despite limited resources. Cohere through Hopebridge, is partnering with these organisations to deliver critical support. Your donation will enable:
- Basic Provisions: Ensuring food distributions for families facing acute hunger.
- Safe Shelter: Providing secure spaces for displaced women, children, and vulnerable groups.
- Strengthened Local Response: Enabling local organisations to adapt swiftly to on-the-ground needs.
