Story told in Sabrina’s own words
In Eastern Congo, we heard shootings of rifles and some great detonations. Then the quiet was felt, and we saw emerging soldiers armed entering our house and coming into the living room where we were, my husband and I. Our five daughters were in their rooms.
There was a detonation inside the house, and we lay down on the floor as they asked us. When our girls heard the voice of their dad beg the soldiers to leave us, they started to shout. Four soldiers moved towards the room of the girls.
I heard blows and cries of our daughters. They shouted very extremely. I could not move. A soldier killed my husband. My husband died without any rescue—by the hand of his enemy who was unknown—while our daughters were raped.
I cried but GOD alone knows if I was heard.
Heroes in Our Midst
Congolese women, women like Sabrina, have suffered. Murder. Rape. Genocide. But their enemies couldn’t destroy their tenacious spirit. The atrocities afflicted upon them have only strengthened the flames of bravery in their hearts. And these flames have burst into a roaring fire: their Courage Ablaze.
Note: Sabina’s story is a composite story that has been shared in the news or reports. Real names and some of the details have been changed.
