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The Salvation Army continues to support displaced people.
A ceasefire was declared in the Republic of Congo’s capital Brazzaville, following gun battles that killed at least 17 people and injured many more. Thousands of residents who sheltered in The Salvation Army’s centers in the city started returning to their homes.
New attacks, however, began in the Pool Département, adjoining the capital. The Salvation Army responded by opening additional refugee camps to receive displaced people from the affected villages.
“Many have lost their lives, and people are scared,” said Commissioner Onal Castor, leader of The Salvation Army’s Congo (Brazzaville) Territory. “A thousand refugee families remain at our Moungali corps hall, too frightened to leave. Villagers from Pool are now coming to Brazzaville for security, but we are not sure if the temporary ceasefire in the city will hold. We are making plans to accommodate more people safely.”
Grateful for the prayer offered by Salvationists and friends worldwide, Castor requested continued intercession for the military situation in Congo. Meanwhile, General André Cox, The Salvation Army’s world leader, repeated his call to pray for the central African nation.
“Violence is not the answer,” Cox said. “Commissioner Silvia and I pray that peace would prevail, and encourage Salvationists worldwide to be faithful in praying for the Republic of Congo and its people. We pray too for strength and wisdom for the dedicated Salvation Army officers and staff of the Congo Brazzaville Territory who are selflessly supporting displaced people despite their own difficulties.”
Report by IHQ Communications
