Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo – Marie Byamwungu, a young female fighter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), shares her experiences battling the M23 rebels in the region. The conflict has led to widespread violence and displacement, affecting over 1.7 million people in eastern DRC.
Joined by other women fighters in the Wazalendo coalition, Marie and her peers have taken up arms to protect their communities. Despite allegations of support from Rwanda and Uganda, the women remain committed to their cause, facing challenges and sacrifices along the way.
With families torn apart and futures uncertain, these brave women continue to fight for peace in the region. As the Congolese government considers integrating Wazalendo fighters into the national army, questions linger about the potential consequences of such a move.
Amidst the uncertainty, Marie and her fellow fighters hold onto hope for a peaceful future, united in their determination to bring stability to their war-torn homeland.
This report is made possible with support from the Pulitzer Center.