Congo tries to restore rule of law after days of unrest.

Congo-Kinshasa (MNN)–Angry demonstrators stormed the United Nations’ compounds across Congo, protesting the failure of 10,800 UN peacekeepers to prevent the city of Bukavu from falling to rebels.

The rebels, having revealed the weakness of the government, began withdrawal from Bukavu late last week. Insurgents stormed the eastern city and traded gunfire with security forces while residents scurried for cover.

Grace Ministries International’s Sam Vinton says their teams were pinned down by gunfire. The worst of the fighting took place around a quarter of a mile away from the missionary compound.

Following the rebel departure, it will take time to get things rolling again. Stores were closed and business shut down when the city fell. What’s more, Vinton says their workers were unable to get to the churches or schools. “There are no classes being taught–all the universities, all the high schools, the Bible school–everything that is there. Right now, everything is at a standstill because no one is going to leave their homes, and even in their homes they don’t feel secure because they’re being looted.”

Even though contingency plans are in place, there are no plans to evacuate. With the rebels leaving, most of the danger is thought to be passing.

Vinton says their teams are determined. “I think prayer is the main thing that we need to concentrate on at this time. As far as our missionaries, right now they’re safe, but you never know what could happen. My daughter-in-law said to me, ‘You know, we feel this is where God wants us. What kind of a testimony are we to people when we take off and leave and leave them here, and they’re Christians just like we are?'”