Espoir Bushoko Prince, 18, comes from Kitshanga, a town at 85 km north-west of Goma. Living in a region ravaged by conflict has terrible consequences for the civilian populations and the tragedy that befell Espoir is among them. Yet, despite the difficulties he has endured, Espoir is the embodiment of the name he bears, resolutely looking to the future.
Fear of dying
The day began like any other. One morning in 2022, Espoir and his friends were heading out to the fields. They were laughing and joking as they went along- just a group of carefree young people, happy to be together. But this happiness rapidly turned to horror.
At a bend in the road, Espoir and his friends stepped on a bomb left behind after clashes between armed groups. The explosion was so violent that it tore off his right leg. In a state of shock, the young man was rushed to hospital for treatment.
“There were six of us that day. When the bomb exploded, three of my friends were killed instantly and the other two lost their legs and hands. I lost my leg,” recounts Espoir.
But Espoir's troubles were not over yet. One day a year later, while his parents were out working in the fields, Espoir was at home when he suddenly heard screams and gunshots. Rushing outside, he was met by a scene of horrendous violence: an armed group had just entered Kitshanga and was intent on killing its inhabitants. There was complete mayhem. Bullets and bombs rained down as people tried to run for cover. Espoir fled with his brothers and sisters. Driven onto the road like millions of other people, they set off together on a journey that they hoped would lead them to safety.
”Before arriving at the displaced persons camp, we walked for three days without knowing where we were heading. As we fled, I could see that the others were always ahead of me and I was always lagging behind. I was scared. I thought I was going to die; I could hear the sound of bullets and explosions.”
Espoir and his brothers and sisters finally reached Rusayo camp on the outskirts of Goma. Today, although they no longer fear for their safety, their lives are still fraught with difficulty. And they still have no news of their parents, from whom they were separated during the Kitshanga attack.
A message of hope
Shortly after arriving in Rusayo camp, Espoir heard about HI. The association, which works with the Centre for the Physically in Goma, provides tricycles, crutches and prostheses to displaced and local people with disabilities. Espoir went there to talk to the HI teams, who assessed his situation and needs.
“A week later, I received my prosthesis. HI covered all the costs. Today I feel better. When the bomb tore my leg off, I was still a student and when I had to have it amputated, I thought my life was over. But since I've had my prosthesis, I've been able to resume my studies.”
Espoir is very committed to his studies, which he pursues assiduously. Today, when asked what his dreams are for the future, he answers with a smile:
“My dream is to become a doctor, because I'll be able to care for people, earn a salary, eat well and live a better life.”
