Plight of Soldiers' Widows in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

In Beni, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, widows of fallen soldiers are enduring harsh living conditions in a makeshift camp. Following the capture of Goma by M23 rebels on January 27, 2025, many women fled to Beni, seeking safety and support. They now reside in tents made of plastic sheeting, with mattresses laid directly on the ground. Local activist Jack Sinzahera, who documented their plight, noted that these women fear repression from the rebels due to their connections to government soldiers. The camp, located near the Mulekera youth centre, has become home to approximately 250 households, including families of soldiers and wounded veterans.

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Despite having official documentation confirming their status as dependents of deceased soldiers, the widows report receiving no financial assistance. Congolese law stipulates that the wives and children of soldiers killed in combat are entitled to a share of their husbands' pensions. However, many women, including a representative named Grace, expressed frustration over the lack of support, stating, “We thought we would get financial assistance here. But since we arrived, we haven't received anything.” Applications for pensions have reportedly been met with silence or have been marked as "on hold," leading to suspicions of fund diversion.

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The absence of financial aid has forced some women to resort to begging or even prostitution to provide for their families. The dire conditions have raised significant health concerns, particularly for children. Françoise Nzoga, coordinator of the local NGO Protection and Solidarity, highlighted the tragic case of a child under five who died from malnutrition. She emphasized the dangers faced by families, stating, “If someone in the family gets sick, they don't have money to pay for medical care.” As the rainy season approaches, the situation is expected to worsen, with heavy rains likely to flood the camp and exacerbate the already precarious living conditions.

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Local activists have reached out to the Congolese authorities for clarification regarding the status of the widows' pension applications but have yet to receive a response. The lack of communication from the government raises concerns about the accountability and transparency of the support systems in place for military families. As the widows continue to advocate for their rights, the situation remains critical, with many families struggling to survive in an environment marked by instability and neglect.

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• “We thought we would get financial assistance here. But since we arrived, we haven't received anything, not even 100 francs [0,38 euros]. Nothing. We're asking the government to help us. We're asking for our husbands' salaries. It's our right, but we've been waiting in vain since we arrived.” — Grace, Widow of a Soldier

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• “If someone in the family gets sick, they don't have money to pay for medical care. In February, we had a case where a child aged under five died of malnutrition. And a woman tried to hang herself. She almost died.” — Françoise Nzoga, Coordinator of Protection and Solidarity

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