In the Balance
Two weeks ago we called you to pray as Ugandan soldiers invaded Ituri Province (a region the size of West Virginia), where Katho lives. Some of you have followed the news of the M-23 rebels from Rwanda pushing into cities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Those cities are located to the south of Ituri Province.
We praise the Lord that Ituri Province has maintained peace, even in the presence of an occupying force. What follows is a summary of some of the events that Katho and the Jeremiah Center have undertaken. Katho has given me many updates over the past few weeks, and I will summarize here.
February 15: a commander of the Ugandan army posted on X a threatening message against the DRC, claiming a particular ethnic group was being mistreated. Then Ugandan soldiers invaded Ituri Province. (Note that many believe Rwanda and Uganda are making coordinated efforts in this simultaneous invasion of eastern DRC)
February 17: Katho was working, along with others, to set up a meeting with Ugandan soldiers and Congolese soldiers. His goal was to prevent an outbreak of war. In the picture below you can see that such discussions between the two groups happened.
February 18: the Ugandan soldiers entered Bunia, a city of over 750,000 people.
February 19: the Jeremiah Center worked with UNADI, an organization of leaders from the 22 ethnic groups in Ituri Province. Together they drafted a memorandum to the Governor of the Province and the President of DRC urging a peaceful solution.
Monday February 24: Katho reported that though the tension is great, this has not prevented the agricultural projects from continuing. (You may recall the tractor and the planting story, and now we are approaching harvest season)
Wednesday February 26: Katho reported that the tension is slowly cooling. He believes the pressure from the European Union against Rwanda, and US Sanctions against certain Rwanda leaders have helped.
Friday February 28: Members of the Jeremiah Center and members of UNADI gathered to prepare for meetings on March 3-4.
These upcoming meetings will be with over 200 community leaders. Katho will be facilitating this gathering supported by 3 others. The goal is this: if this diverse ethnic community of Ituri Province can present a genuine and united front to the Ugandan military and the Congolese military in support of peace, the hope is that war will not break out. This meeting is supported by the Governor of Ituri Province.
After Friday’s meeting (shown above) Katho communicated that he is “busy, but excited and grateful to the Almighty!!!”. Katho is carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders right now. The African team of the Jeremiah Center is very much engaged in this process of peace. Your continued prayers are much appreciated.
We want to express our gratitude for your prayer and financial contribution towards our ministry. People are continuing to give, even in these times of stress. Thank you. We are looking for more supporters. Right now, gifts given will be matched by a donor, up to a total of 100K.