6/16/2025 DRC (International Christian Concern) — On the evening of June 8, 2024, Amina lost nearly everything.

Rebels with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) raided the 60-year-old’s village in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), set homes on fire, and kidnapped 13 people — including her son and husband. By the end of the night, the Islamic extremists had killed 26 people.

As the attack unfolded, Amina fled and hid in a nearby banana plantation. Her home, which contained a large supply of cooking oil that she sold to earn income, was burned to the ground. Thankfully, her son, Kamara, managed to escape captivity about two weeks later and find his way home. Her husband’s whereabouts remain unknown.

While in captivity, Kamara was forced to undergo training and witnessed violence.

“My father was tied up for refusing to comply with the ADF’s demands,” he said. “I was forced to start praying five times a day, and they gave me a Muslim name: Malik. It was by the grace of God that I managed to escape and find my way back home to Makamba.”

Today, Amina and her son have safely resettled in a home provided by the community chief in their village. With the help of International Christian Concern (ICC), their lives have started to stabilize. Through the generosity of our donors, Amina has opened a small shop, allowing her to become financially independent once again and care for her children.

“It’s a dream come true,” she said. “I never imagined I’d find a way forward after losing everything in the attack. Your generosity has given me a new chance. I am no longer powerless; I can provide for my children and hold my head up again.

“I am forever grateful to ICC for the kindness you have shown me and my family during our time of suffering. Your support has been a lifeline for us. Before you came into our lives, we had nothing — no shelter, no food, no hope. Now, thanks to your generosity, I can finally sleep peacefully, knowing that my children and I are safe and cared for.”

To read more news stories, visit the ICC Newsroom. For interviews, please email [email protected].