Families Return to Ruined Homes in Eastern DRC Following Conflict

Families, including the Banyene family, returned to their homes in Sake, DRC, after being displaced by conflict. Many returned to looted homes and face difficulties with safety and economic recovery. The M23 has brought some stability but challenges persist, including a lack of funds and continued threats.

In January 2025, the Banyene family returned to their home in Sake, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, only to discover their property severely damaged, retaining but a crumbling wall and sagging metal roof. This destruction is a remnant of the ongoing conflict involving the Congolese army and the M23 armed group, which has significantly affected the region. Following M23’s seizure of Goma, many displaced families, including the Banyenes, were ordered to return, leaving camps where they had sought refuge for years.

While Sake is beginning to revive, the aftermath of conflict remains evident in its fragile structures, including the Banyene family’s home, where they have erected tents to accommodate their large family. The locals, primarily farmers, are hesitant to work their fields due to the presence of unexploded bombs and lingering threats from militias. Some residents report improvements in security since the M23’s occupation, yet incidents of nighttime robberies persist.

Villagers returning to their homes often find them looted or occupied by others. Sarah Kahindo recounted her disappointment at returning to a looted home, even as she acknowledged that the M23 had brought some measure of security. Despite this, economic recovery is sluggish, with closed banks and reduced trade. Shopkeepers express challenges in finding buyers due to a lack of money, as witnessed in the largely empty market at Minova, a crucial trade hub for the region.

The return of families to their homes in eastern DRC highlights the duality of a complex situation, where improvements in security exist alongside profound challenges. The Banyene family’s experience reflects the struggle of many, balancing the hope of returning to their homeland with the harsh realities of destruction and economic instability. While the M23 has altered the security landscape, substantial obstacles to recovery remain, reflecting the broader implications of the ongoing conflict in the region.

Original Source: jordantimes.com