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Congo: Suffering, but still hopeful

Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 3:58 PM by Cynthia Joyce
Filed Under:

By Ann Curry, NBC News Anchor                        

She was stunningly beautiful, this 18-year-old girl lying on the operating table.

We knew she had been brutally raped. Only today did we find out even that was not the worst of it. She had just turned 17 when the soldiers attacked, killing her mother and father as she watched.

Even now, two years later, she says, "It was not possible for me to mourn my parents because I myself was almost dead."

The soldiers had chased her down and kept her for two days, raping her until she was broken.

"I couldn't move. There were many men. I couldn't count. My right leg was paralized.  They left me for dead in the forest.  I could not imagine what would be my future."


Her rapists had made her pregnant, but her body was so damaged and her baby was stillborn, leaving her unable to control her bodily functions.

In the hospital, with tears falling from her eyes, she said she can't stop asking herself  what happened to her happy life.

"I don't know how I became an orphan. I don't know how this happened to me."  

She also thinks a lot of her mother and father.
 
"If my parents were alive, especially my mother, I would not be alone here.  I want to live with my aunt and experience her mothering of me. I thank God for doctors and nurses who took care of me." 

Her doctors are her angels now. Today, one told her it looks like the damage will be repaired.  Someday this may all be a distant nightmare. 

After all she has endured, she can still say, "I am still hoping for a bright future."

Click here to find out how you can help.

To learn more about the situation, click here. To see a slideshow of photos from producer Antoine Sanfuentes, click here. 

If you have a question for Ann Curry about her time and reporting in Congo, please leave a comment below. Ann will answer them tomorrow on Nightly.msnbc.com.

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Dear Ms. Curry:
 I hope that your story will give this young woman a new courage to live with.

James Erdmanczyk Warner Robins, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 4:55 PM)

This story grabbed me immediately when I read the lead, and it proved to be worth the read. The situation that this young lady was in was very difficult, but she proved that she had the courage to make it through.
Ms. Curry, I have a great deal of respect for you because of the reporting that you do. You take risks by going to the places that no other reporters wish to travel to, and the stories that you report are remarkable. Thank you for bringing us the stories that truly do matter to the world.

Allison Hammond, Richmond, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:16 PM)

Ann-
Thank you for sharing this story with us.  It was powerful and made me very angry.  What can i do to help.  Money is very tight, is there anything else i can do that helps?

Sara~Charlotte, NC (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:57 PM)

Thank you for sharing this story with the US--we so desperately need to see and understand more of the suffering and needs of the world we share.

I'm not sure if this is helpful here, but here is a website that is an org based in the DRC that works with former child soldiers, girls and rape victims. www.ajedika.org.  Perhaps they can help this young woman at some point?

Pia, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:57 PM)

why were they showing the rape victims face?  Each part of her face was shown close-up throughout the story.

S. D. Williams (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:57 PM)

Dear Ann,

What are countries around the world doing to help stop the horror in this country?  Why has this been going on for over 10 years?  How can we engage these governments/united nations/anyone else to end the suffering of these people?

Christina Bautista, Albany, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:58 PM)

Dear Anne,
Are you afraid of being in Congo?

Mary P (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:59 PM)

Ann -thank you as always for your courageous coverage of worldwide atrocities. My question - what is the United States role and position in the Congo ?

Gary MacLachlan (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:59 PM)

How can we help these women?

Betsy Puterbaugh, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:59 PM)

What political pressures are being brought to bear on the warring factions in the Congo? What is the U.S. contribution to resolving the conflict.

Timothy Richerson, Lawrenceville, GA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:00 PM)

Ms. Curry:

I know this is going to seem like a naive question but what do these men hope to gain from brutally raping these women?  It isn't as if they can rid the nation of women? What's the payoff here?

Colleen Law, Nashville, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:00 PM)

Ms. Curry and NBC News,

I applaud the recent story and the stories NBC News continue to get out to the world but i do have one concern.  Why is it that we, as Americans tend to focus on whats happening around the world be it poverty, disaster, crisis etc and how we can help those populations when we have poverty and struggles right here in America?  Why cant we shine a bigger light on poverty and sickness and injustice in our own backyard and maybe get a few links on the website so people can help out our fellow Americans not just others around the globe.  I love this country but i feel we could do more to right the wrongs going on behind the American dream so many of us work so hard for everyday.

thank you.

M.W. Albany NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:00 PM)

Why doesn't the United States Government act?  Is it because the congo government is the ones allowing this?  Is so then, can we act like we acted in Iraq snd South Korea etc?  I am sorry but I am very saddened about this, and have been since I have heard of it.  Thank you for reading this and let them know that they are in my prayers.

William Stickel (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:01 PM)

What danger do these women pose that the soilders have to rape them?
also how can their husbands abandon them? What kind of people are they? How can we in the US not see them as barbarians.

Theresa Mynatt, Memphis, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:03 PM)

Ann,
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. I had no idea that the problem was so huge in Congo. What about women in the United States that are victims of rape? I work at a rape crisis center and rape is very much a problem in our country also. I am hoping that you can shed some light onto this issue to fellow Americans. I believe the key to prevention is in education and awareness. For the most part rape is about power and control, not sex--this is a fact that I feel few Americans know.

Shannon, Knoxville, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:03 PM)

why is the us not helping fight this war?

Cassidy Lewallen, Goshen, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:03 PM)

I think your story was a further exploitation of this young woman for the sake of your soft approach to news reporting.  Its easy enough to get a powerless person to talk to you - how about a map, a history, a political science analysis, some hard news about a hard story?  This oral history as a substitute for a more intellectually demanding investigation into African affairs caters to the lowest common denominator.  What make a better lead:  rape or a careful understanding of the issues?  Shame on you.
I'm switching to BBC News.

S Waggaman New Haven, CT (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:04 PM)

Good evening, Ms. Curry.  Thanks so much for your brave reporting from this region and for telling this young woman's story.  I think you mentioned in your report that this girl would be moving to an area with other women where she can learn life skills.  What types of skills are taught there?  

Tammy Garrison, Lee's Summit, MO (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:04 PM)

this story shows the human spirit at its best, i will pray for this girl who has shown so much heart and courage in the face of all that was done to her.

stacey norman, south bend in (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:05 PM)

i hope that the orphan lives in the world with her monther&father over there

jeremy wilson spartanburg southcaroilna (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:05 PM)

when you say you are going to hide her face hide her face, her face was exposed,and you put her life in danger,shame on you

jim rheaume (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:05 PM)

Dear Ann,
What is the issue in the Congo?  Is anyone trying to bring the parties together to resolve the horrific situation?

Letha Curtis, Baltimore, Maryland (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:05 PM)

Dear Ann:

I praise your efforts in reporting in the horrendous conditions of Congo. As a senior in college, and knowing the terrible state of things across the Atlantic, it's nice to know that some people (especially the news media) are bringing these stories to light. My question to you is:

Have you been threatened in anyway by the major rebel fighting? Not only because you're a woman but because you're a reporter? I know many in these war-torn countries dislike news media.

I hope you haven't been threatened, and wish you a speedy and safe return home.

Take care, and thank you for reporting,

Traci A.
Rutgers University

Traci, Pitman, New Jersey (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:06 PM)

ms curry i was very touched by this story .i to am a rape victim. I am so glade that this young lady was blessed to tell her story and survive. so many women keep this part of their lives a secrete and never began the healing process. what may be someones tragedy ends up being someones begining to help and healing. may God help her and the many women that face rape in america and other countries.

shella, saint louis missouri (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:07 PM)

The sound went out mid-way through Ann Curry's story.  Is there any way to view/hear this story again?  It was shown on channel 11 in Atlanta.

I love Ann's work.  Thank you for bringing the world to us!

V from Atl, GA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:07 PM)

Why has the State Department refused to get involved in this tragedy, stating that it is not ethnic cleansing?  Isn't any human atrocity evil, ethnic cleansing or not?

Susan Boehlje, Iowa City IA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:07 PM)

Dear Ann,
You have done amazing reporting all over the world but this story on the Congo was especially heart-wrenching. I have a 15-year-old daughter and cannot help but see her reflected in this young woman even though, thankfully, my daughter has never suffered the atrocities this girl has. What can someone like me truly do to help? Giving money feels so far remove, although if it truly helps of course we will do it.

Gaie Mitchell (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:07 PM)

I heard on a radio interview that the Congo essentially pays the American congress to keep the genocide quiet from the American public and has done so for over a decade.  Do we have any decent journalists left, or journalists not censored by corporate headquarters to investigate and present the truth?  All of this woe is them makes for good tv drama, but if we just watch and pity, whats the sense?  

Lou Dabny (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:08 PM)

Ann Curry,

To what extent are private organizations and governments (U.S. and others) attempting to aid the situations in Congo (wars, rapes, health concerns, etc.)? Also, from your experience so far, how do you gauge the sentiments of those organizations attempting to help and the sentiments of those who are suffering? Optimistic? Overwhelmed? Desperate?

Thank you for brining this story to the public consciousness. I look forward to hearing more of this story tomorrow.

Safe travels.

C. Alan Matthews, Columbia, Mo. (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:08 PM)

When is Presiedent Bus going to help with this problem.The war on Iraq is not as important as this is.We need to be seen as a country of loving and caring people who beleave in GOD.

Gary Ritzke Kentwood Michigan (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:08 PM)

Dear Ann:  My question is: Why would you show her face at all?  You made it clear it could cost her her life if she were recognized yet you allowed several partial shots of face to appear.  With today's technology, don't you think an amateur photographer could piece those images together.  And even if it can't, why take a chance of her being recognized? What's with the media anyway?  Oh yeah, ratings ... shame on you.  

Bill Mitchell, Waterville Maine (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:08 PM)

Dear Ms. Curry,

I am a retired US Marine and have been to Africa many times during my career. Having returned to civilian life one of the things I noticed over there was the way they treated the "Congo African Grey Parrot." With free time on my hands I have a Grey Parrot as my companion. Can you look around and see if any conditons have improved for these beautiful birds? I know there is war and all sorts of things that show up in our news every night. Our prayers are always with the people who have to endure these horriable acts. But many times we forget about the wild life and in particular the Congo African Grey Parrot (see "Alex" the CAG Parrot from M.I.T. Dr. Pepperburg and the congitive studies that have been done) This is the natural range of one the world's most precious birds and I for one would like to know the "other things that are consumed in this war" as well as the people.

Your story was very heart felt this evening but on another note could you respond to my inquiry?

Dutch, Shelby Twp, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:09 PM)

Dear Ms. Curry,
I was watching the news this evening when your story about Congo came on. I'll be attending The National Youth Leadership Forum in Washington, DC next week where I'll be trying to come up with solutions to the crisis in Congo. I have had to do research on this topic and I was wondering from your experiences there what are the main problems I should focus on resolving.  Did you see any solutions being worked on that were effective?

Jeremy Eith, Marlton, New Jersey (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:11 PM)

Dear Ms. Curry,
Thank you for using your unique talent for doing what
is good, in this rather dismal world.  You inspire
all of your fans to be better people.  Thank you.
What is our political stance in this travesty?  Is the
US truly helping?

Karen Hershman, New Holland, Pennsylvania (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:12 PM)

For the past two years, only Anderson Cooper of CNN and now of 60 Minutes has focused on the problems in the Congo. Although your report is not as in depth as his, I am glad you have decided to bring attention to the situation.

Jen Lin, Tampa, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:12 PM)

Is there a market in the United States for the products the rape victims produce in the Congo. If so, where are they sold?  Is there a website? We desperately need to help support these women.  

Sally Follansbee, Farmington, CT (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:12 PM)

ANN,
How old is the young woman you profiled on 2/13/08 who had been raped by soldiers and left for dead?  Also what are the chances that she can be brought to the US under political asylum?

Your story broke my heart.  And I want to do more than send money.  If I can rescue one woman from such devastation, at least it would be one out of harms way.

Lottie, Saulsbury, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:13 PM)

this is not a guestion.but i want to say that imho tom brokaw is the most elagant news person i have ever seen and ann curry stands shoulder to shoulder with tom brokaw

jim coe marcus hook pa (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:14 PM)

Thank-you Ms. Curry for reporting this story to the world.  My heart goes out to the children and women there.  What can I do to help?

Charlotte Robinson, Toledo, Ohio (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:14 PM)

Who are the people or corporations who sell the arms to each side?  Who profits from this continual strife?  

Elizabeth Baker, Plattsburgh, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:15 PM)

while this story is truly sad and it angers me I truly whish we (America) can change the world
the knowledge of what goes on in other countries
is needed but it angers me more we cant fix our own
problems why not find out the true problems with our own. and my prayers do go out to these woman of Conga

DeVone, Baltimore, Maryland (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:16 PM)

Ann,  Please ask the President and Clinton, Obama and McCain what they plan to about this problem. We are the leaders of the free world this should be stop with force if need be

R Day Coats North carolina (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:19 PM)

I know everyone wonders how we can help these women.  Why is it so difficult for them to receive help from their own government?  This is such a sad situation and I think about all the agencies we have here in America, but of course, this is an entirely different government where the soldiers are definitely not trained to respect their female population.  It is overwhelming to even think about this type of suffering and my heart and prayers go out to these women.  

B. Bates, Knoxville, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:19 PM)

Dear Ann,
Are there any other shelters for women and young girls to go to for safety besides the Unicef location mentioned? The 150 women that are at the Unicef location mentioned seems like a small amount, are all women and girls who seek help allowed to go there?  If not then where can they turn to for help?  

Kim, Hampden, MA. (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:19 PM)

I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Kananga, Zaire from 1974  to 1976.  My training was conducted in Bukavu, just south of the hospital featured on the news. Obviously,I am very aware of any news from the region, I have tried to follow this story, but coverage has been scant.  Another network  started a series about it, but it began on September 10th 2001 and disappeared into the ether.  Thank you for giving the current situation in the Congo well deserved exposure.  I encourage everyone to check out the charitable options provided, especially women for women.

Jill White Downey  River Falls, Wisconsin    

Jill Downey (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:21 PM)

Ms. Curry,

You always report with the same grace and urgency, no matter where the story takes you.  Your recent report from the Congo is yet another example of "man's inhumanity to man and womankind."  Is there any way to put a face to the insidious, devastating behavior of those who use rape and wholesale violence to exercise their power and control?  What is the psychology behind such actions, and have any of the perpetrators ever been interviewed? I would like to ask them if they ever think of the women in their own lives when they destroy the womanhood of others?  The inablity to feel empathy has to produce the most hollow and soul-less individuals.  Thank you for your courage in reporting, and my sincere concern goes to the courageous women who continue to suffer and still manage to have hope.

Janet M. Noble, Hendersonville, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:23 PM)

Dear Kind Ann,
Thank you for highlighting the alarming plight of female children( yes even they are raped) and women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the city of Goma. I encourage you to interview and show on the news the Americans that are there even now helping the women at the Heal Africa hospital. I know one. She is my only daughter, who at 23 is working there as her first job (though unpaid) out of college.
Harper has started the Healing Arts program that teaches the women to sew to be able to create some kind of income for themselves as they wait for surgery and the healing process, sometimes up to 18 months, at the hospital. Harper has worked at Heal Africa for 18 months now and is deeply committed to these women. Harper has also created a school for the children of the women who are waiting for fistula surgery. Previously the women and children simply endured long days waiting with nothing to do. They are outcast from their families as damaged goods with no future of a husband to help feed them, so their families excommunicate them.

How incredible that Harper and her colleagues have at 20 something have literally created hope and industry out of brokenness and incredible cruelty that exists in the region. While we struggle at home to create change ( the 2008 political slogan overdone) with mammoth bureaucracies, Americans in their early 20's have created rapid change in these Congolese women's lives by creating a cottage industry in the middle of a protracted civil war.

Bravo to all the Heal Africa staff! And Ann give my love to Harper whom I miss dearly and love so much. I pray for her safe return to the US in August, the end of her 2 yr commitment to the women of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Godspeed Ann and Harper

Joyce Tripses Des Moines, IA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:24 PM)

Ann Curry,
First of all, thank you so much for such reporting!  A ten year old war, and I, who thought I was pretty up to date on world events, knew relatively little about it! And I fear I am not alone.  How in this day of technology can we be so ignorant???

Please let us know how those running for the Presidency stand on issues such as the Congo and Darfur?  Will their answers be only "sound and fury, signifying nothing"??? What they say could reveal much!

Again, sincere thanks!

Emily Haggerty (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:25 PM)

Thank you for this very troubling but very common story.  This has been the plight of women throughout the ages, for generations, in every country.  It is almost an accepted part of war and the muscle that men feel is their right to flex when attempting to take over any land.  Do not lose sight of the fact that it still happens in our own country and these crimes are still committed by our own men in foreign lands.  Yes, our country has come a long way to stop this abuse if committed by our own but how do we attempt to fix it inother countries?  I agree with many here who say we need to stay out of it and take care of our own first, but your report shows aid to these poor women in the form of new skills for survival, job training, etc.  That is all wonderful, in hindsight.  If we are involved in helping, what are we doing to educate the men?  The military and, especially, the shameful men that are married or related to these women are rejecting them and only adding to their wounds and humiliation.  Shame on them and shame on all of us.

Marie Cape Coral, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:26 PM)

This brutal treatment of women is so tragic. I would like to know if there is anything I can do to help her and others like her. It goes without saying that she will be in my prayers. If there is a way we can help, I hope you will let us know.

Alice Scott Cumming, Ga. (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:28 PM)



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