Trocaire

As United Nations humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher said, “Ebola is winning in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We cannot let the virus outrun our response.” According to the UN, Ebola is now killing one person every 30 minutes.

That is why we are doing everything we can to mobilise resources, work with local partners and communities, and use our extensive knowledge and experience of working in the epicentre of the outbreak in Ituri province, and against Ebola outbreaks across the African continent. This will save lives, but the international community needs to do more.

The outbreak has come against the backdrop of severe aid cuts by the US, UK and other governments, as well as a brutal conflict which has caused millions to flee their homes and pushed people deeper into poverty.

As the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak takes lives at a rate faster than any previous outbreaks, the international response must focus on 'speed, scale and solidarity.'

It's still happening. Just because it's in the news less, doesn't mean it's not happening. In Palestine, Israel are committing genocide while the UN have found 'hallmarks of genocide' in El Fasher in Sudan. 

We must keep calling out genocide wherever and whenever it occurs. 'Never again' is becoming 'time and again'. 

Keep talking, keep sharing, keep demanding. At Trócaire, we are committed to peace and justice for all, and will never stop standing in solidarity with and supporting those facing genocide, ethnic cleansing or any other breach of international law.

For decades, the villages of Kagaba and Soke in the Irumu territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo, have been in conflict over the land around Nyata Hill, which was claimed by both villages for agriculture. Crossing into the other village could be dangerous, particularly for women and girls, who faced heightened risks of physical and sexual violence while tending fields or traveling to the market.

Sawa Da Ziba, a resident of Kagaba, experienced these challenges firsthand. For years, she and other women lived with insecurity, unable to move safely within their own community or access essential resources. Daily tasks like fetching water or going to the market felt fraught with danger, and the constant threat of violence left many feeling powerless.

Change came when local Trócaire partner RADPI RDC intervened with the support of Irish Aid. The organisation facilitated separate consultations with village committees to understand the root causes of the conflict and its impact on daily life. The findings were presented to respected local authorities, who supported a two-day dialogue in May 2025, bringing representatives from both villages together. The dialogue included a field visit to Nyata Hill, allowing women and men alike to speak openly and directly about their concerns.

At the conclusion, the village committees of Soke and Kagaba signed a peace agreement, validated by the chief of the chiefdom. The agreement established joint use of Nyata Hill for agriculture and grazing, with bylaws ensuring shared access.

“Thanks to RADPI, we have found peace,” Sawa explains. “Now we share the same fields, attend the market together, and live without constant fear. I hope these organisations continue to support our communities so that women and girls can live safely and our villages can develop.”

Today, women like Sawa are not only safer but are central to sustaining peace. Their voices, once overshadowed by fear, now guide decision-making in the villages. Through the support of Irish Aid, the women of Kagaba and Soke in the DRC are building a future where security, collaboration, and opportunity go hand in hand.

💧 The Season of Creation begins on 1 September

This year's theme, "Living Water," invites us to reflect on the gift of water as a source of life, justice and hope. From 1 September to 4 October, Christians around the world will unite in prayer and action to care for our common home.

"Living our vocation to be protectors of God's handiwork is essential to a life of virtue." (Laudato Si' 217).

Discover parish resources to help celebrate this season at the link in the comments ⬇️

Laudato Si Movement, Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference, Diocese of Kerry, Bishop Fintan Monahan, Spirit Radio, Knock Shrine, Independent Catholic News (ICN)

As conflict, climate change and inequality deepen, and aid cuts continue, it can be difficult to remain hopeful; but steadfast Irish Aid support helps us to channel energy into positive change and proactive outlooks, in Ireland and around the world.

As one of Irish Aid's most significant implementing partners, Trócaire is proud to help affect positive change in the communities where we and our partners work, on behalf of the Irish public.