Ancha and Fatima, two cousins from northern Mozambique, were kidnapped by militants in separate incidents in 2020 and brought to a house together, where they formed a bond. Both endured severe abuse and sexual violence over three years. Despite their harrowing situation, they supported each other emotionally, reminiscing about their lives before abduction and dreaming of a better future. Their friendship became a crucial source of strength amidst the dangers posed by their captors, highlighting the power of familial connections even in the bleakest circumstances.
Before their abduction, Ancha and Fatima had not known each other well and lived in separate villages, but all that changed when Fatima arrived at their captor's house.
For three years, the two cousins were forced to live with insurgents in separate homes, enduring constant sexual violence.
Despite the abuse they suffered, the two women spent most of their time together talking about the past.
I went from being isolated and alone to having someone to share my time with, says Ancha.
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