Uprooted: Fleeing the int꧟ense conflict in Masisi territory🐭, residents carry household items as they approach the city of Goma. They are escaping the turmoil exacerbated by the M23 rebel group in Nord-Kivu, East Democratic Republic of Congo
A mother carries household items ꦯwhile her baby sleeps as she approaches the city of Goma, joining others fleeing the intense conflict in Masisi territory. The exodus is fuelled by the escalating violence imposed by the M23 rebel group in Nord-Kivu
Up in Arms: Members of resistance movement in Nord-Kivu, East Democratic Republic of Congo, have taken up arms in their struggle against the M23 rebel faction, which has seized control of their land and fuelꦯle🐠d continuous conflict in the region
A member of a🉐 resistance movement holds a slingshot as he patrols the Virunga National Park in Nord-Kivu
Tension in the Air: A member of a resistance movement patr𓂃olling Virunga National Park in Nord-Kivu, East Democratic Republic of Congo. The area has become a focal point of conflict
A victim of armed conflict in Nord-Kivu displays a deep scar, a reminder of the violence that has left many injured by gunfire and bombing𒅌s in the region
Displace✃d persons camp in𓂃 Petit Masisi, Nord-Kivu province
In Ruins: Aerial view of the devastated landscape in the Masisi territory of the East Democratic Republic of Congo, where rebel groups have burnt villagesꦫ, leaving de♉struction in their wake in the Nord-Kivu region
Text & Photographs by Daniel Buuma
In the heart of Goma, East Democratic Republic of Congo, Daniel Buuma is a young voice capturing the harsh realities of his region. As an InfoNile grantee, he’s driven by a deep commitment to documenting the “sickening” realities that unfold daily in Nord-Kivu province. He believes that by sharing these stories thro𒊎ugh powerful images 💮and films, he can not only bear witness to the suffering but also inspire a vision of a better future.
Buuma’s journey as a visual storyteller began with a scholarship to the prestigious VII Academy, where he honed his skills in photojournalism and documentary filmmaking. Armed with a degree in sustainable development from ISDR, he brings a unique perspective to his work, exploring the complex interplay of social, econ꧟omic, cultural, environmental, and political factors that shape the lives of his community.
His photographs and films delve into the human cost of conflict and the resilience of communities in the face of adversity, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions. By humanising the stories of those affected by war,ꦚ poverty, and displacement, Buuma hopes to foster empathy and inspire action. He is currently a finalist in the VII Foundation’s prestigious photojournalism and documentary training organisation in Arles, France, a testament to his talent and dedication.
Crisis In Congo
In eastern Democratic Republic of Coꦺngo, over eight million people have been forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing war waged in the region by the M23 rebel group. Some young 𝔍people from areas controlled by M23 have decided to take up arms, including guns, machetes and slingshots to resist. They are called “Wazalendo” in the local language, which means “patriots” in the region. The Wazalendo fight for their relatives, friends, fathers, mothers, and their land.
After being defeated by the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 2013, the M23 rebel group regrouped and began attacking Congolese army positions in 2021. This renewed offensive has forced o♔ver eight million people to flee their homes. The territories of Rutshuru, Masisi, Lubero and Walikale continue to suffer from these attacks. Young people in areas control🌠led by the M23 rebels have decided to resist, taking up arms despite lacking military training and adequate equipment. Armed with slingshots, machetes and basic firearms, these young “Wazalendo” are committed to defending their land.
(This appeared in the print as 'Dancing In The Glory Of Monsters')
