Bukombo is a village in the Masisi district in the east of the country that has been devastated by clashes between local militias and government forces. The village is divided into two parts – a large camp for those people who had to leave their homes because of the armed conflict, and a local community of those who are afraid to return to their homes because armed conflicts are taking place near their villages. The office of the Lutheran World Federation, which is based in Nyabiondo, also had to be relocated to the centre of Masisi for security reasons.
Some of the people who have left their homes, both women and men, are victims of sexual violence. Some of them have HIV/AIDS and are trying to live with the trauma of war.
The stories these people share are striking. They are sad, but at the same time also inspiring, because they show strength – how to survive in the context in which they live.
Economic and psychological support
Some of these people have emptiness in their eyes, yet they appreciate the individual and group psychotherapy offered by the Lutheran World Federation with the support of “Finn Church Aid”, which additionally provides these people with a starter kit to begin their own business. With support of 55 USD per person, some choose, for example, a cake-baking kit, while some ask for rice that they could sell at a higher price in the village, and some – palm oil and soap. On receiving a starter kit, one of the recipients added – it is important that they are allowed to choose the type of kit, because it helps them move forward and look to the future more positively.
Some of the women were abandoned by their husbands and families because of the violence they experienced, or because of the psychological problems that followed it. But they have to care for their many children. With the combined approach of psychological and economic assistance, it is easier to overcome the negative experience, because it fosters the process of mental recovery and improves their socioeconomic situation.
When I asked the women how the project helps them, one replied: “It really improves my life, because I feel part of a group in which others have also experienced the same things I have, and that is why they understand me. Moreover, the economic support changed my life, because now I can prepare more than one meal a day for myself and my children. And one more thing – I am proud that I can pay the 5 USD school fee each semester for my children.”
Ten cases of rape a week
Later, when I walked with Charlotte, an LWF staff member responsible for psychological activities at the three project sites, we discussed very delicate matters.
“We provide care for women who have been raped. In this village we have ten cases of rape a week, most of them women and girls, but sometimes young boys,” Charlotte says.
Charlotte works in three locations, but at the moment can only be in one, because the other two camps are inaccessible due to the mutual attacks between the armed groups and the army.
In total, psychological assistance is aimed at 180 people in the village of Bukombo. One hundred of them have experienced sexual violence, 50 are HIV positive, and 30 people suffer from the trauma of war. However, more than these 180 people ask for help, and that is a challenge.
Charlotte also risks her own life, yet remains faithful to her mission. She explains to the women how they can reduce the risk of rape or sexual assault by stopping the use of alcohol and trying not to be seen in the places where it is consumed, as well as by not walking alone in rural areas and trying to get home before dark. Unfortunately, this kind of “precaution” is these women’s only defence. Charlotte speaks in schools and congregations, and also visits homes in order to maintain contact with the local residents.
There still remains the challenge of cooperating with law enforcement bodies. Because of the lack of a functioning legal system, the perpetrators go unpunished.
When I asked her how she manages to stay positive and what motivates her, she smiles and replies: “I gain great satisfaction from the communities I work with, and that makes me keep fulfilling my mission.” Charlotte divorced twelve years ago and raised eight children. She proudly tells how her son is studying to become a doctor. He is doing something good with his life, learning to help other people. Charlotte says that this too is a strong motivation for her to do her work in the LWF communities that need help.
Suzanne Muisa is the LWF programme officer for the Congo and Chad.
In the photograph – CharlottePhoto: LWF/ S. Muis