By Innocent Mwendo Tuyisenge – ORA Africa Fellow
Goma, North Kivu, DR Congo
The earth burns beneath our feet, yet we press on,
In this heavy silence where all seems undone,
The air is thick with dust, the skies turn gray,
But in our souls, a fire refuses to fade away.
The World, scarred by ancient wounds,
Rises still, despite the fear that looms.
Rivers dry up, the fields turn bare,
The winds of drought strike with ruthless care,
The harvest dies before it even grows,
But still, the earth calls, and still, it knows.
The youth sketch dreams upon the ash,
Planting seeds where all seems to crash.
Beneath the heat that devours, the unyielding sun,
They search for answers, though the battle’s not won,
Where the winds blow strong, where hope feels thin,
They build bridges, carve paths from within.
With simple hands, with visions fierce,
They nurture hope and let pain disperse.
The elders whisper, “It’s the end of days,
The air is thick, the earth in dismayed haze,
The water runs, the fire sears our hands,
Nothing returns, all is lost in the sands.”
But the youth, in their soft defiance, stand,
Planting trees where the winds command.
They sketch a World upon charred pages,
Each brushstroke a victory that transcends the ages.
They paint the farms, they carve the streams,
To show that life can thrive beyond the dream.
They hold on to the rain, they challenge the heat,
Their dreams untouched by fear, they will not retreat.
The World weeps, but it will not break,
Beneath the ruins, it finds the strength to wake.
The scars of the earth run deep,
But in every heart, hope continues to leap.
They reinvent life beneath the darkened skies,
With creativity as the last refuge that never dies.
The Earth Burns Beneath Our Feet
My poem, Beneath the Ashes We Walk, was inspired by the resilience of the people of Goma and the broader Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who continue to rise despite the devastation that surrounds them. For more than 20 years, war has ravaged this region, leaving countless lives shattered, displacing millions, and destroying the environment and essential infrastructure.
These words speak of a land where rivers dry up and fields remain barren, not just because of climate change but also due to prolonged conflicts that disrupt agriculture and force communities into cycles of hunger and dependence. They reflect the scars left by war—not only on the land but also on the people.
The World Weeps, But it Will Not Break
The North Kivu province continues to face dire humanitarian crises—armed groups terrorizing villages, massive displacement of populations, chronic food shortages, and deforestation caused by the need for survival. The volcanic eruptions of Nyiragongo in recent years have further added to the devastation, turning fertile land into barren rock. However, the region is not just a city of conflict; it is a place where resilience thrives.
My poem offers imagery of dust-filled skies, barren lands, and relentless heat, symbolizing both the physical and emotional toll on the people, but it also highlights the unwavering spirit of those who refuse to give up. It is about young men and women who continue to innovate, rebuild, and create a future despite the obstacles they face.
Building Bridges, Carving Paths
Even in a land ravaged by war and destruction, there is an unbreakable will to rebuild. The youth of Goma, like those in many war-torn regions, do not simply accept their fate—they push forward, carving new paths, finding solutions, and dreaming of a better tomorrow.
Numerous youth-led initiatives continue to ignite hope in the region. Young entrepreneurs, activists, and community leaders are working tirelessly to address issues such as food insecurity, environmental restoration, and education. These initiatives, though sometimes fragile, demonstrate that change is possible and that the younger generation remains determined to shape a better future for Goma and beyond.
“Through this poem, I hope to shine a light on the untold stories of resilience in Goma. The world may see a region plagued by war and suffering, but I see a place where hope is still alive, where people continue to rise, and where creativity remains the last refuge that never dies.”
More About Innocent Mwendo
Innocent Mwendo, at just 25 years old, is co-founder of Green Masolo, an environmental magazine, and Editions Virunga, a publishing house focused on wildlife conservation. He is also the visionary founder of CultivaHub, an incubator operating in agriculture and the transformation of food waste into organic fertilizers. Leveraging his multi-faceted academic and entrepreneurial experience, Mwendo continues to lead his community in meaningful change.
