More than Victims: The Untold Stories of Congo's Female Fighters | Java Documentary

There hasn’t been peace in the Congo for 20 years, the army and the various militias are locked in a constant battle over the country’s precious mineral resources. The fighters on both sides have been profiled often but this documentary looks at a group often thought of as merely victims of the war: women.
On both sides there are female combatants. Some are fighting for what they believe in, others because they have nowhere else to go and nothing to lose.
Many of these women have never seen peace, they joined to replace fathers lost in battle and never looked back. Others have left a militia but are unable to return home so the army seems like the next best option. Who are these women and what motivates them? We meet those on both side to hear their stories.
This documentary was produced by Premiere Lignes and directed by Stephanie Lamorre. It was first released in 2014.
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There hasn’t been peace in the Congo for 20 years, the army and the various militias are locked in a constant battle over the country’s precious mineral resources. The fighters on both sides have been profiled often but this documentary looks at a group often thought of as merely victims of the war: women. On both sides there are female combatants. Some are fighting for what they believe in, others because they have nowhere else to go and nothing to lose. Many of these women have never seen peace, they joined to replace fathers lost in battle and never looked back. Others have left a militia but are unable to return home so the army seems like the next best option. Who are these women and what motivates them? We meet those on both side to hear their stories.

[@onzimukepatrick7152]

I left Kisangani when I was 14 with ugandan soldiers after rwandese soldiers killed all my parents and relatives. I have since been here in Uganda. One day Congo will be free.

[@Jko-f2c]

Rwandese soldiers never go for civilians ,they went to congo after the genocidaires who committed genocide in Rwanda fled to congo and got weapons from congo government to go back fight in Rwanda ,that's when Rwandese army crossed over to attack those genocidaires and the congo army that was helping them so if your family was among the congolese or those genocidaires who were fighting Rwandese ofcourse they put themselves in danger cus Rwandese army never go for innocent civilians that's 100% a lie.

[@Jko-f2c]

You must be from the genocidaires families who were fighting with Rwandese army

[@Jko-f2c]

You must be from genocidaire families that were fighting Rwandese army.

[@costabandale7507]

Blamed the border drawing by Belgium during the colony era, the artificial line is the causes.

[@khaembamark3701]

Sorry brother,am from Kenya and am highly heart-broken by this episode.is there any good picture of congo?

[@michaelmusee6873]

These people really suffer. May God remember our brothers in Congo. Much love from Kenya

[@thembadube9589]

Very painful to watch.

[@who8480]

Prayers from the US . So much suffering, for so long. May God reveal and HINDER the hidden hands behind its constant !

[@JomalaSudan]

It's now upon the DRC government to restore hope to these women and men who have seen too much in their lives. Let the Congolese people unite and their country will be the richest in Africa. I can't imagine that I worked here in the 90s as UN volunteer and the country has never moved an inch. It's so sad and it makes me cry. How come govts of the West have helped perpetrate this evil to continue so they may steal the precious metals. Thanks to this commentator for bringing this out.

[@shawnamcdonald2463]

I so wish as a mom I could hug and help these young people and put a stop to the fighting there and let them live a peaceful life Shawna from Canada ❤

[@dralexanderdane9644]

indeed.. it's heartbreaking

[@user-se6lo9fc4y]

true

[@shelleyhender8537]

I echo your sentiments my Shawna! I’ve always heard and spoken to Congolese women who have been raped, beaten, and has a whole host of other deviant, vile atrocities inflicted upon them! How I pray for them and hope somehow - some PEACEFUL way they will be able to heal and live a decent, fear free life…loved by many and respected by all! It’s my hope, as that’s all I can do, other than pray and help however I can. I volunteer with our church…The Salvation Army…so my life may have significance, as I try to serve God and those who suffer the most in our world. We are extremely fortunate to live in Canada, and not have to face what these courageous women have to endure, so as to merely survive, and have hope for a better future. I wish you a wonderful day!🇨🇦😊🇨🇦

[@cjwood-x7f]

I am Jamaican; but I am there in spirit with you and with Haiti.

[@gagenus1]

I am also a Jamaican and you speak for me.

[@edmundmawlong9116]

I have never miss any documentry on Africa but its sad to say i only see the sad part of it,and i pray to God y'all will find peace n bright future.

[@y1498]

My country Kongo this made me cry one day they will be peace in the land that is fulled with milk and honey

[@Massin-cz8os]

Milk and honey?

[@brothercaleb]

Take courage brother. Look for a brighter day still

[@lombivictoire7846]

Amen and Amen 🙏

[@saitamadecember2806]

Mamadou Ndala, was a courageous patriot...who was assassinated by the higher ups who were jealous of his success in the defence of his country. May he rest in peace, and may we have 1000 Mamadou's reincarnated.

[@classiccontrast]

My exact thoughts everyday I see RDC in the media. They missed not just a commander but the great leader in him. He’d have been a good uniting factor. But who was he? The real patriotic seldom make it to the top before they are eliminated. RIP Mamadou Ndala😢

[@violetsrayreikishop2]

That was a woman not a man

[@iradukundafabrice3334]

@@violetsrayreikishop2 You mean one of his bodyguards? Yes, she was. Her name was Mado Dagbinza.

[@onzimukepatrick7152]

You are a true lover of congolese people, may God truly grant us that wish

[@rmf9567]

😭🤣🤣🤣😭🤣🤣😭🤣🤣

[@jeandedieuizabayo276]

It's painful 😢. May God have mercy on my country

[@TristanVarfley]

I survived a 10-year military dictatorship and a 14-year civil war. Believe me when I say that even if the entire documentary had no audio, I would be able to make out what it is about and also, in a way, determine what they are saying. All just from my own experience

[@joshuaakunye2156]

Sorry it shall be well if not for greedy African leaders they forget about wars happening among there fellow African brothers and talk about Russia -Ukraine war and Gaza - Israel and wars

[@worldview2888]

This documentary is INCREDIBLE!

[@RAJ-R64]

its sad because am African from Kenya just a neighbour to Congo and a sister country as well, what makes it so sad Congo is a richest country in Africa though poor... am in my house in Kenya, taken every meal, sleeping in a nice bed, watching tv with internet and a brother in congo suffering in forests,,, Our leaders are letting us down,,we are no ready to rule ourselves coz what one feel when he or she is a leader is about getting riches

[@josephgomalo41]

Hii ni dalili njema sana wazalendo wanapoamua kuipigania nchi yao! Tupo pamoja nanyi ndugu zetu wa Congo. Sote tunajua ya kuwa Congo ikipata amani basi sisi sote tutaenda mbele! Aluta continua bandeko wa Congo! From Tz.

[@markmwaghogho9226]

so heartbreaking

[@robnasty6835]

Wish everyone could live a happy life 😢😢😢

[@2plus8egal10]

This is evidence that the FARDC are indeed the 8th strongest army in Africa. They have been defending their land and country against neighbouring countries for over 20 years while under an arms embargo until recently. The FARDC can now buy weapons to defend the Congo more effectively and repel the enemies.

[@vanessad410]

This broke my heart seeing my people like this my prayers that our God will free us. This is heartbreaking. Then I Remember The Most High Word that do not come back Void that VEANGENCE IS MINE THUS SAITH THE LORD. The lord will avenge his people.

[@pampattenden880]

All nations belong to the Lord Jesus and no creature is have His Master . Our African history reviews that there were women warriors and defended their countries and territories. The devil is a liar God will be with you ladies. God has not created us with a spirit of fear but of power , of love and of a sound mind .Praise our Lord Jesus Christ 🙏🏽🙌🏻

[@Flower-ck2bs]

There is no god. So much suffering. Open your eyes, there is no god.

[@parfaitsiakoli2778]

Général de brigade Ndala , tu seras vengé...RIP

[@brothercaleb]

Great Docu ruined by sound issues just when it got very interesting. A beautiful telling nonetheless

[@ugfactchekaz1135]

Whatever the colonialists did to keep us divided for this long ,they really have succeeded.But just look at our women who still stand strong 💪 even when they barely understand why they are obeying our corrupt leaders in both countries and rebellions.Someday ,somewhere as MLK said he has a dream,so as many of u who have witnessed the impact of wars in our region,will rise united and work for peace and development.I witnessed Kony rebellions in Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan.I love the resilience we have ,we continue to rise above all oppression.May God bless u guys for showing this documentary

[@sTraYa249]

There eye's are lost😢blank stare of hopelessness for many 👀

[@MeghanAmaiu]

We pray for Congo that oneday you will have your freedom. God will make it possible.

[@Flower-ck2bs]

Who is God? Why god allow Congo and other african countries to suffer. Wakie upp. There is no god!

[@andiledlamini6135]

Congo should be one of the biggest economy in Africa pity capitalism is destroying it😢😢😢😢😢

[@Choice339]

Fr

[@SimeonTurney-i5z]

I love seeing congo women soldiers watching from Barbados keep building up congo army with more women president doing a great job

[@rugyendohirald9209]

This was in 2014 when colonel mamdou ndala was killed in a plot that implicated congolese officers who were jealous of his fame after defeating m23 back then.

[@lazarousmuzandu2568]

I watched that. Very sad indeed. That shows that this war is well sponsored by the powers that be.

[@kipapula6838]

With the help of sadac is when m23 was defeated not by these local terrorists who can't fight. M23 is an organized entity with professional disciplined soldiers who won't be easily defeated by a mere rabel terrorists group of a failed congolese government army. The same reason East African army withdrew after seeing what m23 truly is an army working for the people and professionally negotiated peace terms

[@CarolineRuthuku]

Seeing this i just let God know that im thankful to be a kenyan,there is nothing expensive in this world more than peace❤

[@ivyoakfernjungletreehugger5740]

Pray for congo❤amazing, courageous women, devastating what theyve been through and willing to carry on.😢🇨🇩🙏💚

[@PhilomenaMaloba-xc1pg]

We are from congo 🇨🇩 I left my country in 1990 time of mobutu 35 years out of my country is not easy my GOD bless 🙏 my country 🙏 congo drc

[@Lucy-ks9qb]

Great documentary. Audio cuts out at around 48:00 and might be an issue in the first few minutes as well.

[@merlynjay9721]

This is verrrrry sad indeed

[@DianeSantiago-z4t]

Unite come together your brothers and sister love you may the Most High Father Bless you all I have you in my prayers

[@user-jk6ux4gv7p]

Let the war STOP, & let the abundant resources of the country be used for delopmental purposes & to benefit of the citizens, in Jesus' name.

[@LutherClarke-ch3kj]

I pray that these strong black nation will some day co.e to their senses and unite because they are one black strong nation strive for success peace and prosperity

[@Piet0224]

My heart poured out to my brothers & sister's God help us

[@brothercaleb]

34:55 fear or no fear everyone dies 😢 Poignant

[@kevinbrown1900]

This made me cry 😭

[@joshuaakunye2156]

That little girl has seen strange things And from the way she talks she don’t fear anything called fear 😨

[@emmanuelndhlovu8521]

Its rough, me been a refugee officer in my country which is hosting refugees from Congo, have seen how saddening it is to flee from your own country. May God heal our lands

[@rojaeblake6099]

Congo can hold millions

[@AJ-fn3tf]

I'm a Kongo of Angola and watching my people like this is tearing me I spent my early year's in Zaire as Angola was fighting the Portuguese great hospitality president Kagame need's to find other revenues to develop Ruanda and he need to stop serving the west to destabilise Congo a peaceful Congo will be beneficial to Ruanda to Congolese people are very hospitable people so stop the war

[@Flower-ck2bs]

So true!

[@kipapula6838]

In this same video , you hear that a group of FDLR is working with congo army. This is a group that committed the genocide and now harbored in Congo and in good working terms with the regime. How is this allowed and how is kagame wrong for taking initiatives to secure safety of his country after these kind of integrations ??

[@KevinandRarin]

You can see so much pain in their eyes 😢

[@khaembamark3701]

If minerals are main cause of all these horrors, then i pray to Almighty that those minerals be exhausted soonest time possible, better a country without minerals but has peace!

[@Flower-ck2bs]

????

[@dorisphiri9309]

Sad and heart breaking 💔

[@JosephAlumba]

I hope God gives as peace I love ❤️❤️❤️ Congo

[@MotherP_1Ruby]

May they be strong 💪🏽 and courageous in their efforts to protect their families! THE MOST HIGH ALMIGHTY CREATOR ANCESTOR, THE ONE BABA has sent light from HIS DWELLING PLACE INTO KONGO!❤️🙏🏽🕊️🌍🕊️🙏🏽❤️

[@hagumaivan1072]

Imagine that army

[@Josee2030]

😂

[@kipapula6838]

A bunch of local jokes. Go watch a m23 army and then compare this or the congolese army. M23 is a modern army who can literally March to kinshasha in matter of days if they decided but they play a long exhausting game to their enemies

[@juliuscesar4176]

@@kipapula6838 They don't have to win a battle. They just have to keep fighting until the other side goes away.

[@GiresseLenge]

Am sorry for your lost of family my sister we are with u

[@Jko-f2c]

Seraphine got injured by a rocket that was shot by congo soldiers themselves and now she is saying she can't believe people came from out the country and now are fighting them and that she will go back to fight them.the problems congolese is that fight with one another and blame the outside people ,congo's mentality is to play victim and not recognize they are their own problem.

[@ArchieRish]

Actually, to be fair that war was started by Hutu interahamwes who had escaped Rwanda after the genocide. Its then been continued by Burundi rebels, Ugandan rebels called the ADF, M23 from Rwanda, FDLR, remnants of LRA and S.Sudanese SPLA. All foreigners.

[@Flower-ck2bs]

Actually it is the outside world who caused it, making people koll each other so that They can get cheap more minerals, diamonds, gold. The world can not have a good life without african natural resources.

[@Flower-ck2bs]

@@ArchieRishIt started by Belgium!

[@biamungudiedon3166]

Sisiniwazarendo❤❤❤

[@ZnD21ERN]

Herbijî ji kurdistan ✊🏿✌️

[@rogerst.lwakataka3225]

the only way to end insurgence in this part of Congo is for Kinsasha politicians to acknowledge the underlying causes and then work to integrate all these warrying groups into the national cake share!

[@pici24]

the audio is intrerupting several times towards the end of video, try to fix it !

[@bahatiseyeofafrica]

The narrator says that the rebel grp ADF is supported by Uganda? This is wrong info. Uganda is jointly fighting ADF with Congolese Army FARDC. ADF is mainly consists of Ugandan Muslims and is fighting to topple Ugandan gvt n create a caliphate in Uganda. They regularly cross into Uganda n terrorize Ugandans. They use the Congolese dense forests as their base. Ugandan army with the support of Congolese army, is inside Congo fighting these ferocious terrorists who are pay allegiance to the al-qaeda.

[@annuwase2147]

U are right. Good information

[@bahatiseyeofafrica]

@@annuwase2147 orakoze

[@lufuluwabomikiladi]

THAT'S MAKES ME VERY SAD AND ANGRY TO SEE HOW MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS THEY ARE SUFFERING LIKE THAT BECAUSE OF ONE MAN CALL KAGAME AND HIS REGIME AND WEST COUNTRIES WHO DECIDED TO BRING SORROWS IN DRC POPULATION.

[@lawrencegordon8023]

Now there is the problem. The keep the west away and treat all as one instead of oppressing one and feeding the other. the west will always lie, deceive and manipulate. Stay strong and use your brains to understand your real enemies and their tactics

[@Flower-ck2bs]

So true. Thank you.

[@bubajabang2555]

In the sight of God, humanity is one and he loves us equally.We will gain a winning result if we accept that reality ❤

[@yvonnethomas5599]

It’s very, very sad these people need peace. I believe the government have much work to do for their people. It’s time to stop the war. Governments have a responsibilities to keep their citizens safe, and they must get together and do everything that they can to bring peace to the nation . These people have suffered for too long it’s time that government of DRC , and all the other war Thorne zones work and stop the war and bring peace to the nation. Too many lives have been lost.

[@Flower-ck2bs]

It is the west who cause this. They frighten african leaders. Each of strong leaders who opposed the west got killed but the situation in Africa is getting worse.

[@user-vn6po8cp6j]

Stay brave ,we will free our DRC one day

[@victormwanza1495]

May the Almighty God protect you.

[@Flower-ck2bs]

There is no God! Stop cheating Africa!

[@gracekagoma3231]

Iam very very sorry as a woman😢😢

[@JamesDoe-ie1sb]

Free Congo

[@Dacky1989]

❤️🖤💚 Damn that audio

[@RichardSimiyu-cy8fz]

It's hurting

[@ConfusedCherryPie-ke8qk]

I don't think everyone is happy to join the army but still I think peoples from other countries can help them

[@Flower-ck2bs]

Which countries? FN can not help Africa even.

[@SimeonTurney-i5z]

This is a old video congo army as better gear now they eat better and are more stronger now in 2024

[@Flower-ck2bs]

It is worse and it Will be even worse after neighbouring Kagames decision.

[@kipapula6838]

It is worse dude 😂😂 a group of some few guys not even 100 took over Congo state house for hours in an attemped coup, what country could allow this happen. Congo has no professional guard

[@gracekagoma3231]

Where do they get weapons😢😢

[@Jko-f2c]

This must be an old video because that colonel mamadou was killed long ago it is said he was killed by thw congolese soldiers.

[@KILLER_944]

So sad

[@EKWEETREGTIGNIE]

If only south africa did not take 30 years to not even succeed at taking congo down

[@rojaeblake6099]

Canhold all soldiers for Africa

[@F.S.L.C.]

WOW - VERY SAD STORY IN AFRICA - WHO IS FOOLING WHO?

[@charlesclarke3406]

Mamadou and the lady soldier was killed by jealous higher officers. This sort of internal conflict is a significant part of the problem why our people can’t advance collectively

[@alexkakande5346]

ADF is NOT supported by Uganda but, Vice versa!!!

[@ianmpamizo407]

ADF was defeated in Ug&hid in DRC.

[@shawnamcdonald2463]

Admit last 5 minutes no sound

[@rojaeblake6099]

Congo the capital of Africa big henuff

[@Flower-ck2bs]

Congo is a country in Africa. There are 54 countries on the continent. There are a capital for each country!

[@toadinthehole8085]

Kids strapped to their backs.

[@YazzyEmInnocent05]

This whole Evil can end with only one person making a selfless political decision.

[@alickak8346]

I dont know who brought the Gun to Africa.. we used to use our Arrows and bows which caused little damage..

[@anotherpointofview222]

Were people killed?

[@philomenaajome8262]

One day there will been peace, because people are awake and they the know cause of the problems

[@Flower-ck2bs]

There never to the peace. People know about the problem but the rest of the world use violence to take minerals.

[@StoneckMaliu]

Actually there in congo what is the main couse of this conflict

[@Flower-ck2bs]

Minerals and the west and other foreign powers who need Congratulations resources without to pay.

[@rojaeblake6099]

Congo can hold millions soldiers one time salor ground soldiers plane subroutines

[@mzeeali8840]

Archery * spear's * maces * hand to hand training

[@shyaka-xu5cv]

Journalist talk about congo but never talk about weapons supplies

[@biamungudiedon3166]

Apigwekunkuru apigwe munyarwanda

[@FabioBergamini-gi3lc]

Si lavano come i gatti

[@jamesndweyi4207]

Why is it that there can be no peace in Congo?

[@rojaeblake6099]

Congo need the whole of Africa help

[@Flower-ck2bs]

Where is a human SA now?

[@cephasnkosi-4851]

The generals ordered the assassination of Mamadou.

[@patrickokage9254]

African countries abating the onslaught in DRC should meet their own discouraging and devastations onslaught never to be helped by any hand but the aggravations of the same in magnitudes unimaginable by any thoughtful sanctified mind for accepting to be stooges sacrificing the blood of innocent civilians at the altar of incorrigible democracy and leadership

[@VEE-rd7cu]

The untruth here: The minerals, diamonds and wealth enriches European society Not the peoples of the Congo or any African peoples. Yes, there are tribal differences that are instigated by the greed of the West. Get the Colonist mindset out of All of Africa. Then let these new leaders unite All of Africa; those that want to continue the wars send them to the West.

[@JamesDoe-ie1sb]

My ancestors from, smh."

[@Cadex2010]

Why are you all killing each other?

[@franciscoandrade3394]

A oração não passa do teto

[@tanseleeric5239]

😭😭🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩

[@gideongouvs5559]

Not soldiers ---- murderers and plunderers--- the ONLY real soldiers were the south African army PRE 1994--- the old South Africa ---- the REAL south africa --- the PROUD South Africa ---- the HONEST South Africa --- the pride of Africa --- the country that was the BEST in Africa

[@patrickokage9254]

If you never seen hell, this was a true hell never dream of another heaven or eternal bliss other than 😊 what existed before the eruption of this erratic life.

[@christianoctk8542]

I think this professor is talking about things that he doesn’t understand. We have to ask Congolese people to answer for their country because he’s not from their country. He is from Ghana and he doesn’t understand the real reason why they were fighting. The incident that happened in Jonas, no one talks about it because those people were running away and don’t know the real reason. So he is just talking rubbish. We have to ask the locals for the real reason and their thoughts, not people from other places, because that was rubbish.

[@sambiaj]

Looks like rwandan interahamwe

[@Jko-f2c]

Yeah these like interahamwe do the killings of innocent people and hide behind claiming to be freedom fighters they even work together with interahamwe

[@TreyMax]

That's what I said" even the narrator said it's FDLR, Wazalendo, Mai Mai") all those are Interahamwe who soon are committing genocide in Eastern Congo

[@r.m.943]

5:25 CLARISSE looks and has a rwandan accent. She's for sure descendent of Hutu Génocidaires & FDLR. Something fishy in her statement, she entered militia in 1996 at 13,but now she is 31😮?? 😂

[@khaembamark3701]

What is wrong with that, documentary was filmed in 2014. she was born in 1983. 2014-1983=31.

[@r.m.943]

@@khaembamark3701 Wazalendo om 2014🤔😁? Are you crazy?

[@khaembamark3701]

@@r.m.943 yes,2014

[@charlesmwendia213]

Is African Union so helpless in support of its own or it has to depend on outsiders all the time!

[@shyaka-xu5cv]

Interahamwe gusa

[@annuwase2147]

Koko?