In the heart of Africa lies a poignant tale of survival and endurance amidst violence and turmoil. Zawadi Sifa, a mother of seven, embodies the harrowing reality experienced by countless families in eastern Congo. Her life has been a constant journey through fear and uncertainty, fleeing from one conflict zone to another as rebels gain ground.
Recently, the M23 rebels, a dominant force among over a hundred armed groups jockeying for control, have seized Goma, a key city in North Kivu, intensifying the region's long-standing turmoil. This development has not only forced Sifa's family into displacement multiple times but also highlighted a humanitarian crisis of devastating magnitude.
Eastern Congo's ongoing conflict has been described by the United Nations as one of the world's most complex humanitarian emergencies, with over 4.6 million people displaced. The recent escalation of violence in January resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths and numerous injuries. The capital of North Kivu, Goma, already a refuge for 700,000 displaced individuals, was further strained as the fighting worsened.
Displacement camps around Goma are overcrowded, with more than 300,000 people seeking safety. As rebel forces and government troops clashed, these camps endured heavy bombardments, forcing families to relocate once again. Many sought refuge in makeshift shelters, churches, or with host families, significantly impacting the local infrastructure.
“Millions were already affected by the prolonged conflict, and the current surge in fighting has drastically worsened the situation,” reports the International Organization for Migration. Sifa exemplifies this plight, first fleeing her village of Kasharo in 2012, eventually returning, only to leave again when hostilities intensified. Her family's journey continued through various camps as captivity loomed nearby.
Last month, when the M23 seized Sake, Sifa’s family moved to a displaced person's camp in Rusayo, on Goma's outskirts. When combat closed in, they found shelter at a parish, their temporary sanctuary disrupted as rebels asserted control over Goma. A local priest, fearing for their safety, urged them to leave as conflict zones remain perilous and resources scarce.
Despite assurances by rebel leaders that Goma is safe, U.N. experts disagree, warning of ongoing dangers, including sexual violence and forced conscription. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an end to hostilities, emphasizing the need for peace over military solutions.
For Sifa, returning to her village is not an option. Reports of horrific violence against returnees deter her. Despite harsh conditions in Goma, where food and shelter are scarce, she remains steadfast in protecting her children, even as their hope diminishes.
Sifa’s daily battle for sustenance involves either begging or spending meager savings to feed her family. “Since 2012, we have been fleeing the war... I have nowhere else to go,” she shares, her voice reflecting both determination and despair.
As the world turns its attention to this enduring conflict, the plight of families like Sifa’s cannot be forgotten. Their story symbolizes not just the relentless violence in Congo but also the resilience and strength of those caught in its undertow.
