12-07-2024 | di COOPI

DRC. From war victim to doctor: the story of Shaban

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, COOPI - Cooperazione Internazionale continues to support victims of the pro-Hugand Union of Congolese Patriots rebel group, led by Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, through the project "Collective Reparations in the form of victim services related to the conviction of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo," funded by the International Criminal Court Fund. This project works to improve the quality of life of war victims through psychological support and socioeconomic reintegration, promoting reconciliation and peace in local communities.

Shaban, a young man who lived through the horrors of the interethnic war between 2002 and 2004, is one of the beneficiaries of this project. Originally from Simbilyabo, Shaban was with his older brother when UPC (Union of Congolese Patriots) militia captured them. His brother was killed while trying to escape, whereas Shaban was taken to the military training center in Mandro, where he was trained and forced to fight. After a fierce battle against the Ugandan army at Bunia airport, Shaban managed to escape with the help of another soldier and found refuge in Mahagi, where he was taken in by another brother, his parents having died as a result of the war.

In 2019, Shaban was identified by lawyers at the White Fathers of the Catholic Church in Bunia and asked for support so he could study. In 2021, he was contacted by COOPI, and began to benefit from its support through the ICC-funded project.

 "The psychological support I received was crucial. It helped me overcome stress and focus on constructive aspects of my life."

 In addition to psychological support, Shaban received medical care and COOPI took care of his two younger brothers.

With the help of COOPI, Shaban was able to continue his university studies. He also participated in commerce and entrepreneurship training, which enabled him to start a business selling community-licensed emergency medicines. With the profits from this business, Shaban financed part of his university expenses, eventually completing his medical studies.

Today, Shaban is a doctor and experiences this achievement with enthusiasm and pride:

 "I am very happy and grateful to the Victims' Profit Fund and COOPI for helping me become a doctor. Now I feel able to actively help society." 

Shaban hopes the project will continue to support other victims like him.

 "I recommend that these actions continue to benefit other former militia members so that they can regain their identity and rebuild their lives". 

COOPI, which has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1977, consistently carries out Protection activities, promoting psycho-social support interventions and free health care, managing prevention and protection projects against the recruitment of children in the context of conflict, and promoting educational and professional reintegration activities.  Since 2011, COOPI has been implementing projects funded by the ICC, which include psychosocial reintegration of single mothers and collective reparation of war victims.