Dreaming Peace

The Lord Resistance Army (LRA), the infamous rebel group headed by Joseph Kony, is the force behind many atrocities committed in Uganda, Central African Republic (CAR), DR Congo and the Sudan. The LRA are notorious for abducting children, abusing them, mutilating and killing civilians. They have always been supported by the central government of Sudan, first to create havoc in Uganda, and punish that country for supporting southern Sudanese rebels, and now to disrupt the difficult journey towards peace in South Sudan. The LRA is also active in CAR and DR Congo, where they control diamond mining and loot local villages. In September, 2008, LRA guerrilla attacked the Congolese town of Duru. They killed several people and abducted many youth. After stealing what they could, they burnt the Catholic mission and all its structures. The local community run away in neighbouring Sudan. Fr Mario Benedetti, 72, one of the missionaries working in Duru, followed the refugees and now lives with them in Makpandu Refugee Camp, some 40 km away from Yambio.

Father Mario, why are you here in Makpandu?
I came here following the people of Duru, the parish where I worked in the past years. They run away from the violence of the LRA. I thought I had to be here with them because our founder, St. Daniel Comboni always said that we must side with the poorest and most abandoned. When I first arrived I realized that the local priest could come and assists the people in the camps only once in a while. I asked my superiors to remain here at least for a limited time, then we shall evaluate the experience. I wish to be able to give spiritual assistance, as well as to help coordinating the life of the camp.

Makpandu - The health clinic.

What are the major challenges you face?
There is much to do in the camp. Many are unhappy of the support they receive from international organizations. World Vision provides food, which is distributed only once a month. What people receive is little, and very different from the diet they were used to. Many sell the few belongings they have to buy more food on the local market, especially for their children. The local community has welcomed the refugees and allowed them to use the land south of the main road. This is a poor land, difficult to cultivate. Some found better fields far from the camp. Now they live near their fields, exposing themselves to attacks from the LRA. I am worried especially about the youth. They have little to do, and run the risk to remain idle, without a future. They live the trauma of being far away from their homes and are without hope.

Are you planning anything for them?
With the help of some NGOs, we started a small maternal school, for the children, a tailoring workshop for youth. We are now looking at the possibility to have at least basic high school training. In this way, the youth would be able to put their time to a better use and prepare for the time when they will be able to repatriate.

How would you describe the health situation in the camp?
We have two health centres. One run by the government of the Sudan; it is very basic, but takes care of the major health issues. The second one is run by Doctors Without Borders. They offer assistance also at night. Most importantly, they monitor the children and intervene when there are issues of malnutrition.

Learning new skills means preparing for the future.

Learning new skills means preparing for the future.

What about the relation with local authorities and the population?
The local authorities have been very helpful. They have the experience of being refugees in the past, and they understand our situation. There are some tensions with the local population. However there is no major problem. Lately I have come to know that the UN plans to bring here all the Congolese refugees present in the area. This would help rationalize aid. Most probably it will bring others side effects in relation with the local population.

What is your hidden the dream?

I dream what everyone here dreams: to go back to our homes, to find peace and security, as soon as possible.

Interview and photos by Jose da Silva Vieira