The serious consequences of violence on psychological well-being
Years of violence have left their mark on the people of North Kivu. For decades, regular clashes have forced women, men and children to flee their homes. The psychological consequences of this displacement are severe, affecting the mental health and well-being of many people. This is the case, for example, of Jacqueline Muzimanganya, 53, a farmer and mother of 12 children, the very image of courage in the face of adversity. Originally from the village of Kamulonza, to the east of Goma, she was forced to flee with her family just over a year ago because of violent clashes between armed groups and the Congolese army.
When she fled, Jacqueline left everything behind: her house, her fields, her livestock, her possessions and the farming activities that supported her family. Taking refuge first in the Munzeze camp in the town of Goma, she experienced precarious living conditions and extreme stress.
"The many worries and concerns made me ill," she confides. Without understanding the cause, Jacqueline fell ill regularly, suffering from attacks of high blood pressure that forced her to be hospitalised frequently. Added to this were tensions at home: her husband, in a state of drunkenness, blamed her harshly, adding to her malaise.
Accepting and overcoming the ordeal
Thanks to the intervention of HI psychologists, Jacqueline was able to benefit from mental health support. Through tailored advice and regular support, she gradually learned to understand and manage her stress.
"Today, I don't get sick like I used to," explains Jacqueline. "I'm able to overcome certain difficulties and accept that what we're going through is a difficult stage in life. She has also learnt to live better with her husband, despite the tensions.
The family was due to leave the Rego camp and return to Kamulonza, but the continuing insecurity in their village has made this impossible. Jacqueline and her family are now living in a school in Sake, still displaced but more resilient. Together, they have succeeded in restoring their dignity and mental health, and regaining hope, even in the midst of the most complex humanitarian situation.
Since January 2025, eastern DRC has been facing a major security and humanitarian crisis. Despite the logistical and security challenges encountered in this context , HI teams have been able to resume their mental health and psychosocial support activities and more than 300 people have benefited from psychosocial care between March and April 2025.
