Trapped in Fearful Circumstances In eastern Congo, displacement camps meant to provide shelter from conflict have turned into danger zones for women. Recounting a horrifying ordeal, a 42-year-old mother shared her traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted inside her tent at the Bulengo displacement camp. Left handicapped from a prior accident and later deserted by her husband, she now grapples with constant fear, keeping her children close at all times.
A Grim Reality in Displacement Sites Sexual violence is spiraling in the region, with reports indicating an alarming daily average of 70 sexual assault victims seeking aid at clinics overseen by Doctors Without Borders (MSF). This crisis is embedded within a larger conflict backdrop where over 130 armed factions are in constant struggle, utilizing sexual aggression as a vile war tactic.
A Deeper Look at Displacement Numbers The scale of displacement paints a bleak picture. In 2022 alone, Congo witnessed over 4 million internally displaced persons, making it the highest in Africa and second only to Ukraine globally. Women and girls constitute a significant portion of this number, with 60% of them seeking refuge near Goma.
An Escalation in Reported Cases A September report by MSF revealed that in just three camps around Goma, 1,500 female victims of sexual violence received treatment in July – a figure that has more than doubled since May. The displacement deprives many of their livelihoods, rendering women especially vulnerable.
A Cry for Help and Improved Conditions Although entities like MSF, UN agencies, and local organizations strive to provide medical, psychological, and infrastructural support, the aid is insufficient. Displaced women remain exposed to danger, with camp conditions offering little security from possible aggressors. The lack of basic necessities forces women outside the camp, where the threat of assault is pervasive.
Enduring Psychological Trauma For victims, the repercussions of such violent encounters are lasting. As Esmeralda Alabre, coordinator for UNFPA gender-based violence programs in northeast Congo, states, “It’s a trauma that will stay for a lifetime.” While some women group together for collective security, their safety remains fragile, particularly when they venture outside.
A Plea for Peace and Normalcy As the conflict rages on, displaced women yearn for a semblance of their past life, hoping to return to their agricultural roots. Their immediate wish, however, remains safety and an end to their nightly fears. Echoing the sentiment of many, the mother of four ardently implores, “Let the government do everything to end this war so that we can give up this life of misery.”