Veneranda Mujadudu, a 60-year-old widow, lived with her son in Musezo, a village 40km south of Bunia, where militias of the Front de Résistance Patriotique en Ituri (FRPI) have been active since 1999. Civilians have often borne the brunt of the violence in fighting between the FRPI and government forces.
On the night of 27 February, hundreds of militiamen invaded the village of Musezo. Shortly before their arrival, however, most of the village's residents fled, leaving behind old people, including Mujadudu, who were unable to run. Much of the village was looted and homes burnt. Mujadudu told IRIN about her ordeal:
"They broke down the door, waking me up. They entered the house and asked where my husband was. I answered that I have no husband. I told them I am a widow and live with my son. One of them then asked me viciously: 'Where is your son?' I told them that my son had already fled and that I was alone.
“Then they started taking our property - hoes, chickens and so on. One of them packed the loot and took it outside as the others set the house on fire, starting with my room. They then left after ordering me to remain in the house that was already on fire. I sustained burns on the back and arms.
“I started to run to escape the fire and on reaching the door the rest of the house collapsed behind me as it was consumed by fire.
“Outside, the militiaman who had set the house on fire told me that since I had escaped, he would have to shoot me. But the one who had packed the loot said I should not be killed.
“They started leaving, but they came back and told me: 'Mama, hide in the bush. If you start to flee you will meet others in Mbulanzabo [a nearby village] and they will harm you. They will kill you.'
“I was burned and in shock. I have not been able to sleep since that day.
“To reach the town of Bunia I walked for two days. I was very exhausted.
“All I am asking for is for someone to help me get treatment. All that I had, all my possessions were burnt in the house. I got out like that, with nothing."
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This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
