Democratic Republic of the Congo
On January 28, 2025, we witnessed the fall of the city of Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. That day, the sound of weapons drowned out the voices. Traumatized women and children suffered severe injuries. And, unfortunately, without any comfort. For two weeks Goma was left without electricity, without water, without internet.
In the dark, the population survived. Not thanks to available resources. But thanks to resilience. Thanks to mercy.
Opening one’s door when everything is missing
At my home, I knew I did not have enough for two weeks. But two fleeing families knocked on my door. I could not say no. We shared what we had: a little food, fetched water, a mat on the ground. It was «welcoming the stranger», «feeding the hungry», «comforting the afflicted». Thanks to God, together we managed to resist. Together we overcame these calamities.
Mercy that becomes mediation
Today, with the birth of the African Center for Peace, Mediation and Diplomacy – CAPMD-UNIM, we want to go further. We are now part of this Center to enhance our research and our actions. Our mission is simple: LISTEN – DIALOGUE – RECONCILE – RESOLVE. Because this part of the country has experienced wars for decades. And we believe that peace also comes through mediation.
Telling so that good multiplies
Today the spazio + spadoni Movement invites us to tell «all the good that exists». Therefore, I give this testimony, because I saw with my own eyes: even in the heart of a falling city, there are doors that open. May the story of Goma reach other hearts around the world through spazio + spadoni. Mercy did not stop the war. But it prevented humanity from being extinguished.
Photo by Destin Byandike
