Older people living in the permanent settlements around Goma face challenges in accessing support and are often sidelined in humanitarian efforts. Yet many like Naomi are coming together to support each other, not only in the camps but back in their home villages where some older people are too frail to flee the fighting.

“I am 65 years old and a widow. I have been living alone in this camp for more than a year. I come from the region of Masisi, which is about 70km from Goma. I fled with a small group including my daughter. But then we became separated and for the first few months I didn’t know whether she was alive but I have found out that she is living in another camp with her children. I hope I can travel to see them soon.

The old and the 'old-old'

“This war is terrible because we are all separated. When we fled, my mother who is at least 90 years old and very frail decided to stay in our village. She refused to leave and told us she would rather die in her own home. I think she was too weak to travel and would not have survived the long journey.  And I know that life is not very good for older people here in the camps so it’s probably best, but I am constantly very worried about her.

Support in the villages

“She is not alone - my husband’s sister is also there but she is also an old woman. A small group of elders and a few men also stayed behind. Some come from neighbouring villages and they have all gathered together in the centre of our village where some houses are still standing.  They moved into the best houses.

There is clean water and they don’t have to go too far to fetch it. They support each other and share the chores but life is very difficult for them. The fields have not been tended to and there’s not enough food to go around. They are hungry and not healthy. My mother is blind in one eye and has an infection in her teeth.

“The situation is very bad with rebels and bandits still in the area. They are frequently looting and attacking whatever is left. They are not interested in older people so I don’t think she will be attacked but it is still very dangerous and I don’t know when I will be able to go home for good.

Support from the camps

“I go back there once a month to check on my mother and the other people who are with her. I travel with a group of displaced people from the camps around Goma. They also have relatives in villages around the same area. I know of seven or eight families in the same situation. We bring them food, help gather firewood and give what ever comfort we can. Usually we can only stay for a day because it gets too dangerous.

“It takes us two days to get there and two days to come back.  We sleep outside on the way and it can get very cold. It is also very dangerous because we risk being attacked by bandits after the food we carry. It’s safer to walk because trucks always get attacked.

“It's a difficult journey because I am an old woman myself but I can’t abandon my mother.

Support in the camps

“Here at the camp I help other older or sick people. Many need help with feeding, lighting their fires or washing. I cook breads and ‘beignets’ and sell them down by the road. I also work by repairing the mats people sleep on but buying the needles and threads in Goma can be expensive so I don’t make a lot of money.

“Back home I had a small shop. I sold all sorts of goods. I hope I will be able to set it up again when I return.”