In the Democratic Republic of Congo, thousands of displaced people refuse to return home, fearing violence and rape. Widow Francine Nsengiyumva and her three children sleep on the ground at a makeshift displacement camp in Goma, too afraid to leave. The M23 rebels, who seized the city last week in the worst fighting in over a decade, claim they are restoring order and urging civilians to return. But many, like Nsengiyumva, believe it is far from safe.
“Those who took our land are still there, still killing people and terrorizing,” she said, cooking a pot of beans over an open fire. “We will only return when there is peace.”
Women Flee as Sexual Violence Increases
The conflict in eastern Congo has displaced hundreds of thousands, many of whom have been forced to flee multiple times. Among them is Floride Furaha, who, like others in the Lac Vert displacement center, fears for her life. Sexual violence has surged, with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) warning last September of a sharp rise in rape cases in North Kivu.
“This is why we fled,” Furaha said. “Many of us have been raped. They enter the houses and rape the mother and her daughters.”
On Friday, the United Nations accused both the M23 rebels and the Congolese army of serious human rights abuses. Neither side has responded to these allegations.
No End in Sight for Congo’s Conflict
While Goma remains relatively calm after its capture, the fighting is far from over. Rebels continue their advance into neighboring South Kivu, showing no signs of backing down. Meanwhile, the Congolese government struggles to maintain control.
The people of Congo have seen this happen before—displacement, conflict, and empty promises of peace. While politicians and warlords fight for power, civilians remain trapped, fearing the worst.
