Reconciliation

As the words of the last interviewee explain, reconciliation has begun in Northeastern Congo. It is a story that is unfolding before us at UCBC. An element of tribal affiliation once had a significant and damaging stronghold, but is now overcome by a different community. The students at UCBC come from all walks of life: different “sectors” of society, past opposing tribes, unsymmetrical life experiences.

One student lost her father during the war. He was assassinated because his tribe was accused of aiding an enemy tribe of another group. His body is yet to be found. She says she has somehow found forgiveness, even with lack of closure.

Tears shed down another student’s cheek as she spoke deeply of her father’s death. After the looting of their livelihoods, house and businesses, the stress and anxiety overcame him. He suffered a heart attack 3 days later.

Another student and family were kidnapped by militia and forced into hard labor for several months before their rescue.

Then, there are a few students who were involved with the militias themselves. Taking part of the conflict that plagued the area surrounding Bunia. Witnessing the same tragedies the stories unveil above. Perhaps tired of fighting, or just realizing the senselessness of it all, they too, have gathered at UCBC to search out something new in this part of Congo.

As a teacher and friend, I can only listen to these stories disclose painful memories. Never, will I truly grasp their intensity. But, it is a privilege to witness them come together as a community, not forgetting about the past as if erased from memory, but forgiving the past, and setting their eyes on the future. Their moto, “Amour (love), Travail (work), and Fidelite (faithfulness),” overcomes even the heart-wrenching damage of loss. Here is reconciliation.