In and around Goma, approximately 170,000 individuals have fled the ongoing conflict in Masisi territory in recent weeks, seeking refuge in the two displacement sites in Rusayo. Among them, around 20,000 arrived in just one week in mid-February.
Meet Niramahoro Mafishe Sandrine, a 32-year-old woman originally from Butari (Mokoto), who now finds herself in Rusayo near Goma. Married with eight children between the ages of 3 and 14, all out of school, Sandrine fled Kitchanga in early December after a bomb hit a nearby military camp. With only one pot of her children’s clothes and $4 in hand, she made the difficult decision to leave everything behind to ensure her family’s safety.
Life in the displacement site is harsh, with the constant fear of hunger and violence looming. Sandrine now collects wood to sell for heating, risking her safety every day due to the presence of soldiers and militias in the surrounding areas. Despite the challenges, she remains determined to survive and provide for her family, even if it means putting herself in danger.
Similarly, Harerimana Ndeze Vianney, a 35-year-old man from Kitchanga, shares his story of fleeing the conflict with his wife and three young children. With a background in farming and carpentry, Vianney had to leave everything behind when the violence escalated, seeking temporary shelter in Sake before being relocated to Rusayo.
Life in the displacement site is a struggle, with overcrowded living conditions and limited resources. Vianney’s wife takes on the responsibility of providing for the family by selling wood, facing long queues and the constant threat of gunfire. Despite the hardships, Vianney remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict so he can return home and resume his work as a carpenter.
Both Sandrine and Vianney highlight the urgent need for assistance, particularly in terms of food, shelter, and access to clean water. Their resilience and determination to rebuild their lives amidst adversity serve as a powerful reminder of the human cost of conflict and the importance of international support in times of crisis.
As the world watches, the stories of individuals like Sandrine and Vianney shed light on the harsh realities faced by displaced populations in conflict zones, urging global solidarity and action to alleviate their suffering and restore their dignity.
