I interviewed Bertin Kalimbiro from the Democratic Republic of Congo about his work in the Goma region to grow food safely and help people threatened by civil war, climate change, foreign exploitation and the 2021 volcanic eruption. Despite all the challenges, Bertin’s story is one of extraordinary resilience.

Leslie: What have been the self-help projects in the Goma region you’ve been involved in since the volcano erupted? What long-term and immediate pressures are people experiencing? How are they dealing with them?

Bertin: The Goma region has been facing multiple challenges for decades (volcanic eruption, repeated wars, etc.). The region has also faced infrastructure problems, such as electricity and water shortage, as well as urban crime. Added to these problems is the massive displacement of thousands of people coming from the territories of Rutshuru, Masisi and Nyiragongo during the civil war. Despite all this, the Goma region and all of North Kivu are developing extraordinary resilience, helping citizens to survive.

We also have several International, National and Local Non-Governmental Organizations helping the people most affected by the crises. However, this aid seems very little compared to the crying need presented by the displaced, including the direct victims of the volcanic eruption of May 2021 who have not yet been supported, as well as bereaved children and other vulnerable people. Our organization LIMA RESILIENCE is committed alongside the government and other humanitarian actors to provide aid to the vulnerable and displaced. We also help local communities who are the victims of environmental and social crimes by foreign mining companies.

Leslie: What has helped people to remain resilient and positive in the face of these challenges?

Bertin: The communities of Eastern DRC, who are living through a worsening security and social situation, still find, despite themselves, a way to bounce back. In short, communities have no choice but to adapt and create conditions that allow them to survive. The adage used for survival is “24 hours renewable”.

Leslie: How do people understand the term ‘community’ in your region, and how does it differ from people’s behaviour in many rich countries?

Bertin: ‘Living together’ is the phrase that best defines the idea of community for the people of Kivu. However, there are people who mistakenly believe that their community only comes from their own ethnic group. Rich countries, on the other hand, consider the community to be national solidarity, whereas in Congo it is ethnic solidarity that prevails.

Leslie: How have you personally had to adapt to the conditions affecting the region where you live?

Bertin: Being young, adapting to the conditions in our region is a challenge. It’s an uphill struggle to build stability and a solid professional life, despite the alarming social conditions all around. In addition, the regions best suited for agriculture and reforestation are the main conflict zones. As a result, we had to abandon those areas in favour of vegetable gardens in the city of Goma, even though production was insignificant compared to food crops in rural areas.

Next week I interview artist Beth Quarmby, who uses acrylic, charcoal, thread and collage.

ABOUT LESLIE TATE’S BOOKS:

1. Love’s Register tells the story of romantic love and climate change over four UK generations. Beginning with ‘climate children’ Joe, Mia and Cass and ending with Hereiti’s night sea journey across Oceania, the book’s voices take us through family conflicts in the 1920s, the pressures of the ‘free-love 60s’, open relationships in the feminist 80s/90s and a contemporary late-life love affair. Love’s Register is a family saga and a modern psychological novel that explores the way we live now.
   • A signed copy of Love’s Register is available in pounds sterling here.
   • The paperback in other currencies is available here.                                                 
   • Ebook for Kindle in £s here and in $s here.                                                           
   • For other ebook reading devices here (all currencies). 
2. Heaven’s Rage is a memoir that explores addiction, cross-dressing, bullying and the hidden sides of families, discovering at their core the transformative power of words to rewire the brain and reconnect with life. “A Robin Red breast in a Cage / Puts all Heaven in a Rage” – William Blake. You can read more about/buy Heaven’s Rage here.
3. The Dream Speaks Back, written by Sue Hampton, Cy Henty and Leslie Tate, is a joint autobiography exploring imagination and the adult search for the inner child. The book looks at gender difference, growing up in unusual families and mental health issues. It’s also a very funny portrait of working in the arts, full of crazy characters, their ups and downs, and their stories. You can buy a signed copy of The Dream Speaks Back here.
4. Ways to be Equally Human tells the inside story of coming out as a non-binary person, from being ‘othered’ in gendered toilets to stepping up on stage & radio and taking action with Extinction Rebellion. Full of lyrical writing, humour and quirky insights, this is a book for lovers of language, nonconformists and passionate thinkers. You can buy a signed copy here.