Muslims in the city of Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are facing a more subdued Ramadan this year after the city was recently captured by Rwanda-backed fighters. Around 15,000 families in the city are Muslim, making up about five percent of the province’s population. This is the first Ramadan that the Muslim community in Bukavu is experiencing in a climate of war and distress.
Due to security concerns, mosques in the city have instructed worshippers to pray at home after sunset, especially the Tarawih prayers during Ramadan. People are also breaking their fast in smaller groups than usual due to poor security and limited access to supplies. Banks have been closed since the M23 captured the city, making it difficult for residents to purchase food and other essentials.
Sheikh Musa Awam, the imam of Nyawera mosque, described the atmosphere at the mosque as one of mixed emotions, with worshippers feeling torn between joy and pain. Despite the challenges, the Muslim community is coming together to observe Ramadan as best as they can under the circumstances.
The current situation in Bukavu has disrupted the usual prayer schedule and forced people to adapt their traditions to fit the new reality of living in a city at war. While some may be struggling to obtain necessary supplies, the community is finding ways to support each other and make do with what they have.
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