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Displacement Camp Violence Continues, DRC Plays Host to Africa’s Deadliest Conflict

Displacement Camp Violence Continues, DRC Plays Host to Africa’s Deadliest Conflict

In Goma, an eastern Democratic Republic of Congo city, villagers are still experiencing the harsh effects of conflict. Doctors Without Borders presented a short video which showcases DRC conflict refugees who have been left to cope with unsubstantial medical care and resources.

“I had eight sons, they were killed with my husband and they pumped bullets into my body,” Habagasi, an 80-year-old woman at Mugunga camp said. “The first month here, M23 raided. They looted our food rations, clothes, phones — they stole all of that.”

She said that the country has not had peace since Rwanda’s widespread genocide in 1994 sparked multiple — and the most deadly wars in DRC. Habagasi and other residents of DRC aren’t sure what is happening with peace efforts. Still, in order to care for eight orphans, who are also her grandchildren, she’s forced to beg for money and is often met with harsh words and stones, she said.

Camp homes constructed from tents have been set on fire and residents continue to be victims of displacement camp shootings. According to Doctors Without Borders, fighting has displaced nearly 3 million civilians — the majority of which do not have access to humanitarian care.