VOICE FOR SILENT PEOPLE

     

Voices from the Democratic Republic of Congo

Testimony from Tete Solu ate the GENOCOST commemoration on 2 August 2024

Some influential countries, to freely appropriate the soil and subsoil resources that the DRC abounds in, have created and financed armed groups that have destroyed the lives of nearly 10 million inhabitants. Wars create chaos; inhabitants flee and leave the lands of their ancestors free to be exploited by foreigners. Millions of survivors displaced or living in areas controlled by terrorists have experienced or are experiencing torture that is causing them long-term traumas. The world can easily hear about war victims in Ukraine, Palestine and Israel but not about those living in DRC. So, we dedicate this page to be an amplifier for these victims so that you can hear about them and see and see what you can do to help. The Congolese government has qualified this continuous tragedy as genocide and has decided to commemorate the victims on 2 August every year. This genocide is called GENOCOST. This year (2024)'s commemoration occurred in the town of Kisangani. The First Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice, and other officials attended the event. One of the main activities was listening to the victim's testimony. In this context, we will listen to Tete Solu's testimony. Tete's testimony will give you an idea of what millions of victims experienced or are experiencing but can't express themselves.

Testimony from sr Therese, guardian of Emmanuele

The Catholic Sister Therese lives in the Locality of Luofu with four war orphans, including Emanuella. Emanuella is an orphan who lost her mother around eight years ago when terrorists attacked their village. Terrorists are still active in their area. Emmanuella is one of the beneficiaries of financial support from the Voice for Silent People, which supports food, clothing, and school expenditures. According to the story Therese is telling in this section, the fear of terrorist attacks is not yet over. As Sister Therese reported, on the night of 28 July 2024, terrorists attacked several villages near the village they were living in. When they saw many people running and heard bullets crackling and bombs exploding, they decided to run away and head toward Butembo, a town situated 134 km from them. They paid for a taxi and spent all their money on safety. The congregation of little sisters of presentation in Butembo welcomed them, hoping the situation would return to normal.