There has been war in eastern Congo for years, and the elections on December 20th will do little to change that. The victims are mainly women – hundreds of thousands were raped. Some of them are now trying to break this seemingly eternal cycle of violence with their methods.
It is early this morning in Goma in eastern Congo, the cool of the night still hanging over the city, as Liberata Burata, appeasing the rebels and negotiating with generals, tries to bring about a little peace. Your remedy that day: “Beignets” – shortbread pastries.
A dozen women have gathered in the courtyard of a house. 56-year-old Burata has got oil, flour and yeast and the women are starting to work. Knead the dough, flatten it with beer bottles, fry portions in hot oil. Almost all of the women are refugees; there are currently almost seven million in the Congo, hardly any of them who have not lost their house, husband or child.