Tragedy struck the Byambwe Hospital in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Nov. 15, when armed fighters of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) stormed the facility that night.

Among the victims was a young mother who had delivered her baby three days earlier. She was murdered in the attack. Yet from this horror, another woman, who had herself given birth just one day before, risked her life to rescue the newborn.

Both women were recovering from their deliveries at the hospital, awaiting release after childbirth, when the attack occurred. The assault came suddenly as ADF fighters forced open hospital doors and began targeting patients indiscriminately.

“They entered the room next to where I was sleeping. I heard people crying as the pain of machetes cut through them,” recalled Anu*, the survivor who carried out the rescue.

The ADF is among the most dangerous, militant jihadist groups terrorizing Christians in the DRC.  Affiliated with the Islamic State movement, the ADF regularly targets Christians, churches, and church leaders. As in many parts of the world, Islamist terrorist groups like the ADF exploit poverty and desperation to recruit militants.

The violence has intensified in recent weeks across Lubero and Beni territories, as well as in Ituri Province, leaving communities in fear and forcing thousands to flee their homes. Anu described the terrifying moments of survival: “When I heard people crying, I hid myself behind the door with my baby. When they forced my room, they did not find anyone. After their departure, I checked on my neighbor and found her already dead, with the baby placed on her chest. I took the baby and ran with both mine and hers, wandering through the bush until I reached Butembo days later.”

Her testimony highlights the unimaginable challenges faced by survivors. Carrying two newborns, one her own and one orphaned, Kavira fled through the forest, enduring hunger and fear. Anu eventually reached Butembo, where displaced families continue to arrive daily amid crowding and scarce resources and support.

The humanitarian crisis is worsening as attacks escalate. Survivors like Anu face immense burdens: caring for children while still recovering from trauma and medical needs.

“I went directly to the health center at Musimba in Butembo as I was still under medication from Byambwe. I ask for spiritual, material, and medical assistance for me, and the two babies, as I now have to take care of them both like twins,” she said.

Anu’s story is not only a testament to suffering, but one of resilience. Her bravery in rescuing a newborn amid violence is a symbol of hope. Yet her plea underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid. As displacement and suffering increase, organizations and communities must come together to provide protection, healing, and support for survivors and their children.

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* Name changed for security measures.