A children's crisis: Violence and insecurity in Congo

Tshiela Masengu brings in her malnourished grandson Jean, four, to the health centre. ‘My daughter was killed when clashes happened in April 2017, leaving behind her six orphans that I took care of. Jean’s father died a few years ago already,’ Masengu says. ‘During the fights, we took refuge in the forest with all six kids. We stayed there for weeks, without any food. This is when Jean fell sick. That’s why I brought him to the centre, because he suffers from malnutrition. I want him to be better, but I am worried about what tomorrow will bring. I have a small coconut business, but it is not enough to support the family. But I am proud to have sent the two oldest ones (11 and eight) to school this year. I would like all of them to go to school one day. This conflict took away my daughter from me, and destroyed the future of my grandchildren. I would like it to end now.’

Unicef/Tremeau