The Banyene family’s home in Sake, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, lies in ruins. Shell casings litter the plot, remnants of the conflict between the Congolese army and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group. The family, like many others, was forced to flee to a displaced persons camp in Goma. However, in early February, the M23 ordered them to return to their homes.
“It’s better to be at home than in the camps,” said Tumani Feresi, one of the family’s elder brothers. However, he added, “we had to leave the camp with nothing and we have difficulty eating.”
The town of Sake is slowly coming back to life, but the scars of conflict are evident. The Banyene family’s house has a collapsed wall, and two tents have been set up to accommodate the family’s 20 members.
Like many residents, the Banyenes are farmers, but they dare not till their fields yet. “There are bombs that haven’t exploded (in the fields),” said Patient, one of the family’s sons.
The M23 has largely restored security in Sake, and many shops have reopened. However, residents still face challenges. “If a woman goes to the field to get firewood, she will be raped there,” said Kivuruga, another Banyene brother.
Many villagers who returned to their homes found them looted. Sarah Kahindo, a resident of Shasha village, said, “I was happy when I returned home in January.” However, she added, “my field was in good condition, but our house had been completely looted.”
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 44% of people who returned to North and South Kivu found their fields occupied by others. More than one in 10 found their homes inhabited by interlopers.
Kahindo said the M23 had improved security in the area. “Since the M23 arrived, there has been no problems with security, we sleep well and we work in our fields without problems.”
However, economic recovery is slow. Banks are closed in zones controlled by the M23, and traders say business is slow. “You can go and sell things, but it’s difficult to find a buyer because there’s no money about,” Kahindo said.
At the port of Minova, traders warned that business is slower than usual. “But there is no more money for business,” said shopkeeper Sylvie, whose home was also destroyed in the fighting.