Bijou’s Story, Democratic Republic of Congo
Bijou’s Story, Democratic Republic of Congo
UNHCR, 30 Jun 2014
URL: http://stories.unhcr.org/bijous-story-democratic-republic-congo-p3641.html
Bijou Ngunzoni Fatuma, 42, is a refugee from Central African Republic living in Boyabu camp in Equateur, province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her torment began on the 6th May 2013 when her husband and his second wife were assassinated. “My neighbor came running to tell me that my husband and rival, the second wife of my husband, were killed when returning home from the market,” said Bijou. This double murder was the start of her ordeal. ”I decided to flee with all the children. I have five children of my own, my rival left three and my eldest daughter, Therese, has twins.” They had to go because the situation was deteriorating further. ‘‘We had to flee to avoid death,’‘ said Bijou desperately.
Bijou left everything in Lakuanga 1 where she lived in Bangui. She had her own business to help support her husband. ”I sold donuts, sugar, peanut and charcoal at the market. My husband was a trained carpenter. He made cabinets and chairs,” she reveals.
Bijou took nothing when she left. The road was long, dangerous and exhausting. Her family and neighbours did not have the opportunity to cross the river to join Zongo in the DRC which is the city opposite of the CAR capital, Bangui. ”All ports were closed. You should not take the risk of crossing,” said Bijou, “so we walked in the forest without any resources,’‘ she added. While walking, they met a group of anti- Balaka she said. They spared their lives but their bodies were battered. ”These rebels have beaten us. I got a tree trunk on the chest. My 9 year-old-son, Dieu Merci, was wounded in the shoulder and his foot,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Photo by Simon Lukulu/2014.
Photo by Simon Lubuku/2014.
Bijou thought it was the end of her life, especially at the hospital at Batalimo where she was treated because her condition remained unchanged. She was then transferred to Libenge in DRC. This was the beginning of her refugee life. All the way Bijou had only one single clothe on her. In Libenge, an old client gave her some clothes. ”Luckily I had sympathized with Congolese when they were coming to trade in Bangui. This solidarity allowed me to have clothes for me and my child.”
Bijou Mayi Kitoko, which means good water of her name, was in the first convoy of CAR refugees to Boyabu camp. Bijou made a small garden in the back of her shelter where she lives. ”I grow Gozo (cassava) and onion.” She reaps some benefits from the garden. ”When I sell my vegetables, I have a little money in addition to the assistance we receive in the camp.” But the income from the sale of vegetables is insufficient. “I also collect wood to sell.” Bijou remains hopeful. She hopes to have more income to help her family. ”I would like to receive some support to start a small business, even a small sewing machine. I could earn money and I will need less assistance.” The most important for Bijou is her children. ”The benefit of my business will preserve my kids from banditry,” she said.
Bijou left everything in Lakuanga 1 where she lived in Bangui. She had her own business to help support her husband. ”I sold donuts, sugar, peanut and charcoal at the market. My husband was a trained carpenter. He made cabinets and chairs,” she reveals.
Bijou took nothing when she left. The road was long, dangerous and exhausting. Her family and neighbours did not have the opportunity to cross the river to join Zongo in the DRC which is the city opposite of the CAR capital, Bangui. ”All ports were closed. You should not take the risk of crossing,” said Bijou, “so we walked in the forest without any resources,’‘ she added. While walking, they met a group of anti- Balaka she said. They spared their lives but their bodies were battered. ”These rebels have beaten us. I got a tree trunk on the chest. My 9 year-old-son, Dieu Merci, was wounded in the shoulder and his foot,” she said with tears in her eyes.
Photo by Simon Lukulu/2014.
Photo by Simon Lubuku/2014.
Bijou thought it was the end of her life, especially at the hospital at Batalimo where she was treated because her condition remained unchanged. She was then transferred to Libenge in DRC. This was the beginning of her refugee life. All the way Bijou had only one single clothe on her. In Libenge, an old client gave her some clothes. ”Luckily I had sympathized with Congolese when they were coming to trade in Bangui. This solidarity allowed me to have clothes for me and my child.”
Bijou Mayi Kitoko, which means good water of her name, was in the first convoy of CAR refugees to Boyabu camp. Bijou made a small garden in the back of her shelter where she lives. ”I grow Gozo (cassava) and onion.” She reaps some benefits from the garden. ”When I sell my vegetables, I have a little money in addition to the assistance we receive in the camp.” But the income from the sale of vegetables is insufficient. “I also collect wood to sell.” Bijou remains hopeful. She hopes to have more income to help her family. ”I would like to receive some support to start a small business, even a small sewing machine. I could earn money and I will need less assistance.” The most important for Bijou is her children. ”The benefit of my business will preserve my kids from banditry,” she said.