People > Adults > Personal Interviews > Children

Interviewee: Kelifa A
Interviewer: Issa

Why/how did the war begin?
The war began when the government refused to fulfill the people’s demand. They were denied to express their opinions about the government doings.

Who was it between?
At the first place, it was between government and the citizens of the country, but as the violence intensified, it spread throughout the entire society by the government’s propaganda and people started fighting each other instead of government.

Where were you at the time?
I was actually at market busy selling my goods when I heard some people talking about the ongoing issues.

What did your family and you do for a living?
I was a farmer who grows crops and keeps livestock. My family depends on the crops and animals I had. I sell some crops and use the money to buy basic stuffs.

What did you witness? I saw terrible things. When I was on my way coming from the market I saw a man beaten severely by the mammoth crowd and dragging him to the ground in a way that was very indecent.

What was your reaction?
I was shocked and pondered what to do next knowing that this could happen to me and my family sooner or later.

How was your family affected?
They were scared to go out and the whole village was compelled a night curfew. My family lived in fears for so long.

How were YOU affected at the time?
 I lost all my properties to the rebels and I was driven out of my home together with my family.

How did you escape?
I waited until dark came, disregarding the nigh curfew and left with only few clothes.

What impact does it have on your life today?
The war changed my life forever. It destroyed my confidence at the time when my country was moving toward prosperous and peaceful era. I left all my old friends and my country behind looking for a better life but that won’t give me the feeling I had in the past which was perfect.

Source:Ahmed, Kelifa. Personal interview. 27 Jul 2006.