Girls and women are the biggest victims

The streets of Bukavu are quasi-empty. There are hardly any people at the market. Few people walk hurriedly across the Place de l'Indépendance. Normally, a nervous symphony of noises plays here from early morning until late at night. But today it is quiet. The silence is driven out only by gunshots and thundering battle cars.

(Read more below the photos)

Bukavu is normally bustling (as in this archive image). Today it is quiet.

Bukavu is located on the banks of Lake Kivu.

We protect survivors as well as our staff

Just under a week ago, we suspended all operations in Congo to maximise the safety of our staff. They are are now at home with their families.

We remain vigilant for looting. But so far no damage has been done to our Maison de la Femme, our office and our vehicles.

Our partner hospitals remain active, under increased security.

What the rebels want?

There is still no communication from the M23 rebels. People don't know what consequences their presence will have on daily life, administration, commerce, schools, ...

You can imagine that this uncertainty causes anxiety and stress among people.

Together we will be there for the survivors

We are now waiting to see what the coming days and weeks will bring. But it is our intention to resume our activities as soon as possible. The girls and women in eastern Congo are counting on us.

What we are sure of: When the dust settles, the demand for aid will explode. That is why we are making extra efforts to free up additional resources, materials and people.

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The uncertainty causes anxiety and stress among people.

Women are the principal victims of this war

The violence spares nothing and no one, yet the harder it hits girls and woman. Several sources in eastern Congo speak of a resurgence of sexual violence by both the rebels and the military troops against girls and women.

In this cynical war that revolves around resources, territory, money and power, girls and women are deliberately targeted. Sexual violence is used as a weapon of war, to disrupt communities and to drive people away.