In West Michigan, Congolese refugees in Tanganyika Market feel the weight of the war in their homeland. Despite facing dire humanitarian crises, they feel overlooked in the U.S. compared to conflicts like Gaza and Ukraine. The story follows individuals like HanGa Ngandu, Dr. Yves Kaduli, Alaa Suliman, Abdelillah Douda, and Banza Mukalay, who are advocating for peace and raising awareness about the ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
Alaa Suliman received a devastating call about fighting in Sudan, similar to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Abdelillah Douda visited a refugee camp in Chad and worked to support Sudanese refugees. Banza Mukalay, a former refugee, established a church in Grand Rapids and grapples with the tragic shooting of a Congolese man by a police officer. Dr. Yves Kaduli, a refugee from Congo, advocates for peace in his homeland and highlights the role of technology companies in fueling the conflict through the sourcing of “blood minerals.”
The refugees shared their struggles of adapting to life in the U.S. while carrying the trauma of war in their homelands. They feel a sense of disconnect as they witness global attention and aid focused on other conflicts, like Gaza and Ukraine, while the crises in Congo and Sudan remain overlooked. Despite the challenges they face, these individuals find solace in their communities and continue to advocate for peace and justice for their countries, hoping for more support and awareness.
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