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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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Comments

Anne,

Thank you for sharing this powerful story.  As a University professor I continue to be amazed how unimportant women's issues are in the world.  I am sure that if men were being castrated in the Congo that the whole world would be up in arms and would rush troops there to quell the violence.  Is there more we could be doing to try to level the playing field for one half of the human race?

Sharon A. Gillespie, St. Joseph Michigan (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:29 PM)

Thank you Ann for bringing this story to the public view with your reporting for the Today show and NBC. We are fortunate for your ability to report on items that require us to react with our hearts.  I have gone to several of the web sites listed on MSNBC and have given a small contribution to help the women in the Congo that are in so much need.  I wish there was more I could do to bring hope to these victims.

Michelle Young, Greenwich, CT (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:30 PM)

Is our government doing anything to stop these atrocities?  Haunting but important and necessary reporting.  Another excellent, well done assignment!!

Lucy

Lucy, Washington DC (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:31 PM)

What can individuals do to help?

D. Ilardi, High Point, NC (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:31 PM)

The girl in this story is so very brave. She has a wonderful outlook on life. Thank you to all those who helped her. Is there any punishment for those who rape in Congo?  How can women protect themselves from this atrocity?  

DiAnna Corrigan Paducah, KY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:32 PM)

Ann,

Thank you for your courage and compassion in covering this story.  The experience must have been very difficult for you.  As difficult as it was for me to watch, I can't imagine how you endured it.  Thank you for giving those young women a voice.

Erin, Mount Dora, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:33 PM)

Thank you SO much for bringing the tragedy of this long under-reported war into focus.  What is the hospital from which you were reporting?  Please pass along my deep admiration and appreciation for the service of the doctors and nurses.  It was touching to see the doctor pray with the young girl prior to surgery.  Thank you for your important part in bringing this story to the world.

Alan MacDonald, Fairfax, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:37 PM)

I was really surprised and pleased to see this was broadcasted. I was surprised, because earlier today I came upon a Ms. Article from 2005 about this very topic. I then decided to do a research paper on the subject, and spent all afternoon finding information. It was neat to see the same topic on the news. I am also very pleased that this was on television, because more people should know abot how terrible it is and how they can help.

Anna, Port Byron, Illinois (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:38 PM)

Why is it that after 10 years of this atrocity, this is the first time I have ever heard of the crisis in Congo through MS NBC? How is it that after 45,000 lives lost a month, and 5,400,000 lives lost over all you finally do a 5 minute segment on a single aspect of the conflict?
5,400,000 lives and you do an 8 minute segment?
George Rupp says," Congo's loss is equivalent to the entire population of Denmark, or the state of Colorado perishing within a decade." I think that if you really wanted to help the men and women and children stuck in Congo because some countries(like the US)don't want to take them in, you'd do a full episode with people who have survived the tragedy telling their stories. The media, and especially MS NBC, has major clout in America, and could easily alert the public to the full extent of the problems there. Once that happens, the people will listen to their collective conscious and try there hardest to help the people that are hurting. As well as make it so an atrocity such as this would never happen again.

Imani Cosby, Springfield, MA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:38 PM)

Dear Ann,
   You are so brave to have your own children and yet travel the world to do these stories. Do you have a choice?  Your family must worry alot about you.  I think you're so beautiful inside andn outside.  Can I write to this poor young girl who was raped?  Can I send her some money or goods to help her?  I don't have a daughter, just two sons who are grown.  I am extremely concerned about the way women are still being treated poorly in America and other countries.  I keep wondering why so many good and healthy-minded men in this country, particularly, don't do something to stop their fellow countrymen from afflicting these rapes and abuses on women?  What are the rape statistics?  I heard it was one out of four women are raped in their lifetime.  That is unacceptable and unthinkable.  Not enough is being done to stop this once and for all, not to mention the number of women who are killed by men each year.  We are their mothers and sisters and daughters.  It's time for men to take an intense stand on this issue and protect women.  Why is all this anger directed toward us?  Do we have to wait for a female President in office to succeed on these issues that are so overlooked? I am so fed up.  Deb B., Monroe, CT.

Deborah Bauby, Monroe, Ct. (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:39 PM)

Dear Ann Curry,

I am Congolese and I thank you as well as Anderson Cooper for bringing this News to the public.  Unfortunally,this has been going since 1998, and we, Congolese Diaspora, cried out about it but none want to react.  The rebels and soldiers who are raping people in Congo are from Rwanda and they are claiming that region of Congo.  
That part of Congo is disestabilized by our brothers and sisters from Rwandese Government of Paul Kagame.
Please, tell them to stop supporting the rebel groups.
We, Congolese, are looking for peace abd prosperity and development of our Nation and neighbor nations.
Thank you again

Mitogo Opira, Grand Rapids, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:40 PM)

Chere Ann,
merci pour ces nouvelles en provenance du Congo. Ma question est tres simple. A qui profite cette guerre? 10 ans et plus de 5 millions des morts et le monde ne dit absolument rien...pourtant l'ONU est sur terrain,.
Faites toute la lumierre non seulement sur les viols mais autres crimes et surtout appeler le chat par son nom.

Juvet (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:40 PM)

Where is the U.S Government?????  These politicians that are running,  why are they not talking about the Congo.
What can do to help????

Denice, Glassboro, NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:41 PM)

Ann, phenomenal  job on the Congo reporting. You really captured the intensity and the severity of the issues.  I spent time there in 2007 producing a documentary film on the charity DOCS (Doctors on Call for Service).    The ten minute documentary is a direct link at   http://twoparrot.com/docs/ and might give your viewers, especially those who are doctors, another way to donate services to those poor women you highlighted.  DOCS sends USA based MD's to DRC to train African physicians.  (DOCS.org).  One more thing:  you are very close3 to Kahuzi Biega National Park.  If you can do it, go trek in to see the Silverback Gorillas.  I did it (it was part of a New York Times feature on me yesterday ((billkizorek.blogspot.com))  and was probably the most fascinating day of my life, a life that had taken me to over 150 countries.  Bill Kizorek  

PS, a special note to Brian Williams.  I used to LOVE Peter Jennings.  Brian, you have totally stepped up to the plate and are the new Peter Jennings.  I did have to train my wife to turn on NBC at 5:30pm, and turn off ABC, but now she finally understands why.

Bill Kizorek Lisle, IL USA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:41 PM)

Dear Ann

I was deeply moved by your story about the rapes and the injuries to these women in the DR Congo. I viewed the links to sites to assist but I am really interested in helping physically and personally with this. I am an OB/GYN nurse and was wondering if a team could be formed to go over there and assist medically with these young women. It appears to be an overwhelming situation and so tragic.
Love your work God Bless

Ella Frazier, Chilhowie, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:42 PM)

Ann,
I am so angry with you right now!  After prefacing your story with saying you were going to be careful about how much of Furra's (sp)face you would show, you show three fourths of it!  You obviously aren't quite as concerned with her safety as you profess to be.  You're more concerned with ratings and 'getting the story' and you put that before the safety of Furra! Anyone who is the least bit concerned with identifying her, would have no trouble, I'm sure.  You should be ashamed of yourself! You have most definitely put her in danger if you had to start the story with that remark, then gone ahead and practically showed her whole face!

Barbara Conlee, Tampa, Florida (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:44 PM)

Dear Ann,
It's so important for the world to realize that there are some very sad and serious things going on to people that do not have a chance or help. I hope and pray that we can make difference in these peoples lives. We need not to wait any longer. What can we do to help. Can't their government do something? Can't we do something? Please, this can't go on any more. We also need to help the hungry babies. I can't stand to see babies crying for food, when we can just give up something so small in our everyday lives to make sure these kids are fed. What can we do to help. Don't give up on this story.

Tamara Cleveland, Boynton Beach, FL (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:45 PM)

Dear Ms. Curry,
Your reporting from the DR Congo is incredible. If my high school Civil Rights Team students wish to somehow reach out to any of these young victims after being so touched by their stories, how might they go about making contact? They want very much to positively impact this world in some way; their sense of outrage at such inhumanity is far reaching.

Thank you so much for making us aware of this situation.

Christina Benedict, Augusta, Maine (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:56 PM)

After saying you were not going to show her face for fear of reprisals, you repeatedly showed her face. Can you explain why?

Gary Marison, Berthoud, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:56 PM)

Dear Ann, I fear for your safety sometimes, but your stories bring the world very close to our safe society. My tears or so insignificant.  K

Karen Hager, Castle Rock, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:56 PM)

Dear Ann,  Thank you for this "re-awakening" update of the ongoing Congo war and its terrible impact upon their women. Has any international mailing svc offered free cargo space to take monthly or quarterly deliveries of basic needs to the refugees? I am aware that there are several creditable organizations with commitments to assist the women and children.  However, with the current US economy, many are unable to make cash donations now but are able to bring one or a few new "items of the month/quarter" to a central drop off location. As I sit in my warm home on a cold and rainy night, my heart cries out like many that wrote you tonight ...how can we help?

D.J, Boston, Mass (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:58 PM)

Ann -  Thank you for your story.  Please continue to keep this incredible story in the news.  The pressure from the press may help.  I hope everyone who saw this story goes on line as I just did and see how $27 a month can help a women start a new life.  As important, how can we get this to STOP now so these women don't have to start another life???

Cindy von Freymann, Mt. Pleasant, SC (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:01 PM)

Dear Ann,
I've read through the many comments on your story about rape in the Congo and can resonate with many of the questions and comments posted. I am horrified, saddened, and angry and wish I could personally help the young girl whose story you covered in your NBC segment aired on February 13th. I agree with a woman who wrote saying that giving money seems "far removed" but would gladly do so if I knew it would directly aid these young women. My question to you is: "What is the United States doing to stop these atrocities?"

Ellen T. Matesanz, Lincoln, Rhode Island (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:03 PM)

Ann, thank you for your bravery and boldness in bringing us this story.  Too often we forget how great we truly do have it in America, and that people across the world fight battles every day worse than most of us could even imagine.

My question for you is about your experience in the DRC and what it has been like personally.  Do you and the crew feel in danger when you are in these parts of the world?  Of course there is the obvious danger of reporting on a country in the perils of Civil War, but do you live in fear of something like this happening to you?  

This leads up to the ultimate question of why the US and other nations aren't doing more to help these people?  Is there more that we could be doing?  And if so, what?

Mary Beth Elam, Knoxville, TN (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:03 PM)

Ms. Curry
Is it possible to send these unbelievably brave women
with unbreakable spirits letters of encoruragement or something they made need. I want to do something besides donating money. I can't believe this is the world we live in

Cyndi Averyt, Arizona (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:03 PM)

You were obviously in a safe hospital setting.  How close is the actual fighting to where you were?  Is there some sort of "rape training" that these soldiers learn?  Where are their superior officers? Why do their leaders allow this?  I know it happens in our military too.  I heard about a Ft. Campbell soldier that raped and killed a 14 year old in Iraq.  Where was his superior officer?  Why is there no accountabiltiy?  Why don't officers know where and what their soldiers are doing?  Thanks for shedding light on this senseless tragedy.  What a resilient spirit that young lady possesses.  I wish her a speedy recovery and a lifetime of peace.

T. J. Hagan (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:04 PM)

It seems to me that these men have no soul, no hope, no belief in God.  It is just evil.  What drives someone to such hideous brutality is beyond comprehension.  I think missionaries can help, if it is safe enough for them to be there.  Isn't their government at fault.  It is a shame that this inhumane treatment occurs in 2008.

Francoise Bergan, Denver, CO (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:05 PM)

Dear Ms. Curry and NBC staff,

This is the first that I have heard about these terrible tragedies and yet they have been going on for a decade.  How long has the United Nations and the United States known about this?  Have we sent aid to help these women - if not why?  Do you know of any plans for the UN or the US to send help?  What can I do to help these women?

Thank you for reporting on this and educating people on what is going on around the world.

Pam Weinzapfel, Mount Vernon, IN (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:05 PM)

Thank your for your story, Anne.  I was quite moved by it.  I often feel as though news from one of Africa's largest countries, the Congo, goes uncovered, and there is so much happening there.  I have watched the chaos unfold in the Congo for years now and it is quite troublesome.  I am astonished by how the outside world can let these atrocities continue unchecked for so long.  But I also wonder how far enforcement can go…how can we empower women in these villages so that they are respected and supported, not abused and rejected?  How can we (the U.S.) play a role in changing how women are treated and perceived in war-torn Africa?

Sarah Wilkins, Burlington, Vermont (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:08 PM)

Dear Ann,
This is just an alful crisis,I just cried for the people,My husband is from congo,the Kinshasa congo.Is this happening there?His mother lives out there,we want to go for a visit when we get money,but I scared.I dont want to die.And since I'm white to,& we have a mix son,he is 2,I dont want to put hin=m in that danger.But I cry for his country.It is so sad.I sure hope there is hope hope for thse women.God bless them all.Thanks for sharing this news.

Lisa Bambu,Cedar falls,IA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:08 PM)

Lisa Bambu,Cedar falls,IA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:10 PM)

Ann,
I along with my family have seen your coverage for many years.
Tonight my thoughts are with you as I have never seen you so traumatized, your body language said it all.
I hope you will receive counseling for PTSD after returning to the "world".

Annemarie Kucner Scottsdale Arizona (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:10 PM)

Dear Ann.  Thank you for your time and your passion in reporting these stories.  What has to happen in Congo, (politically, economically, socially and culturally) for this situation to change?  I will contribute and hope for a better future for so many women and girls.    

Marsha Davis, Greeley, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:11 PM)

I found myself in tears after this 3 minute report. I am grateful that there are doctors and nurses courageous enough to serve at these hospitals, but what is being done to truly stop these horrifying injustices?  Is it possible for people to go to the Congo to volunteer, and if so, how safe is it?

Paige Singh Alexandria, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:12 PM)

Dear Ms. Curry,

Your report on rape in the Congo is noteworthy and insightful.  However, I'm a bit puzzled.  If NBC intended to hide the identity of the interviewed victim on TV, why weren't her eyes electronically shaded totally? The eyes ID a person better than anything.

Respectfully,

Renee M. Couvillion, Marksville, Louisiana (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:20 PM)

Dear Ann, Thank you for presenting this story with such sensitivity and caring. I always knew you had a special gift with hard news and this illustrates this perfectly. You have done more for these girls and women than most of us could do in a lifetime; you gave them a voice. Thank you.

Kitty, Tangerine, Florida (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:22 PM)

Ann:

As always, thank you for these reports. If the women are fortunate enough to have help to heal thier bodies, what about help for the psychological damage? And, what programs exist to help them earn money to support their children if their husbands desert them because of the stigma of rape?

Diane, Queen Creek, AZ (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:23 PM)

Ann, I was a bit surprised at the facial detail you showed on TV after saying the victim's face would be obscured due to potential reprisal.  Did you need to show any of her face or cold you have blotted it out as is done with undercover cops?

Ed Thomas (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:24 PM)

Please tell me the most practical way I can help

katie o'hara (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:30 PM)

I've read many of the posts asking how people can help. For starters, you can contribute to UNICEF or Women for Women International. I sponsor a woman in the DRC through WWI and it's been a wonderful experience. I'm going to sponsor a second woman soon. The WWI website also has many ideas on how concerned people can organize community events, get others involved, and help spread the word about the suffering in the Congo.

I. Helal, Orlando, Florida (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:31 PM)

Dear Ms. Curry,

Your report on rape in the Congo was noteworthy and insightful.  However, I'm a bit puzzled.  If you wanted to hide the identity of the interviewed victim, why weren't her eyes electronically shaded?  It seems if you show the eyes, you reveal the most significant part of the person's face.

Respectfully,

Renee M. Couvillion, Marksville, Louisiana (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:34 PM)

Where are the feminists? Instead of whining about imagined slights in this country, why don't a bunch of us who are ripping mad about the terrible plight of these defenseless women in the Congo put all our fury into fighting for them?

Susan Blashford Seville, OH (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:34 PM)

Why has the US (and other nations) allowed these atrocities to go unchecked?  The current administration repeatedly points out that they are helping spread democracy and human rights in Iraq.  However, if we are such champions of justice, why do we ignore the plight of regions without significant natural resources or strategic importance?  

I greatly respect and admire your efforts to report on this matter. Why has the press chosen to largely ignore this conflict?  

D Storm, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:34 PM)

Dear Ann,  Thank you for this "re-awakening" update of the ongoing Congo war and its terrible impact upon their women. Has any international mailing svc offered free cargo space to take monthly or quarterly deliveries of basic needs to the refugees? I am aware that there are several creditable organizations with commitments to assist the women and children.  However, with the current US economy, many are unable to make cash donations now but are able to bring one or a few new "items of the month/quarter" to a central drop off location. As I sit in my warm home on a cold and rainy night, my heart cries out like many that wrote you tonight ...how can we help?

D.J, Boston, Mass (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:35 PM)

Dear Ann Curry,  I don't think they are using rape as a weapon of war, as much as they are using war as an excuse to rape helpless victims.  Don't you think creating safe havens to protect helpless victims like this 18 year old girl should be given the main priority right now?  Also political pressure should be put on this country to punish the soldiers responsible for these brutal attacks.  I admire your bravery and courage for going to the Congo and other dangerous places--to cast light on barbaric actions like this around the world.  Thank you--be safe.

g.eglesias``nepa~ (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:36 PM)

Where is President Bush and the rest of the US goverment!!!!  Are they ignoring this because it is happening to women of color?  Or is it because there is no oil in Congo?  This is shameful and it makes me ashamed to be an American.  So much inequality in the world.  How can the US the wealthiest country in the world ignore what is going on in Congo and the rest of Africa?  No wonder the rest of the world hates us, we only help if (1) save face in the media (2) take advantage of other people's resources, or (3) When it effects people of European origin.  Ann, I hope you make these points.  How do 5 million human beings get slaughtered and it doesn't make the evening news?

Renee, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:36 PM)

Your story was very heartbreaking about the young woman the was gang raped for  two days. It was  sadder to hear that these women are being throw out of their home by their husbands. Why are the are the women treated  this way when is  was not their fault?
And what is the government of all the free counties going to do  about this . Our tax dollars are being spend on a hearing about baseball players using drug while women  all over the world are being raped and killed every second! Shame on us!

MWolf (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:37 PM)

Ann, thank you for bringing this story to light once again.
WHY isn't there anything being done to help these women and their families to save them from these horrors!! NOTHING AT ALL?? While I realize this country cannot help every country, isn't there something that can be done to stop this from happening? It's as if this story has been done over and over and yet the rapes and murders continue.
So heartbreaking...
What can we do as a society to help? What politicians can we contact to make a change happen FAST!??

H. Ledgister, Brooklyn, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:39 PM)

Dear Ann,
Your coverage of the atrocities throughout the world have been as difficult to watch as they must be for you to report. Tonight, my son and I watched while tears streamed from our eyes. As a woman and a mother, the thoughts of the fate of these women is unbearable. In addition to donating, please let me know how I can help.
I admire your courage and compassion.

Sharon Bathon, Elkton, MD (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:42 PM)

Doesn't the raping of women also cause a significant increase in AIDS? I can't help but think the raping is terrible enough but the spread of STDs has to create a long lasting effect for years to come not only for the women raped but for any child who is born in those conditions.

Peter Snow, Newberg, Oregon (Sent Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:42 PM)



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