VIANNEY’S STORY

Vianney is a 35 year old Burundian who supports his wife, three children and his widowed mother. He did so by purchasing produce locally and taking across the border into the Congo (legally) and selling it there.

On one occasion in November 2021, he was riding on a motorcycle “taxi” into the Congo, when they were stopped by two men on the road. The motorcycle owner thought they were wanting a ride. When they stopped, one of the men produced a machine gun and demanded all their property. As they were complying with the demand, the motorcycle owner looked like he might try to run away, and so they shot him dead.

Vianney was then instructed to lie on the ground. While one man held his feet, the other clamped his head to the ground with his boot, and proceeded to fire 24 bullets into Vianney’s body. The men then grabbed the motorcycle and fled, leaving Vianney for dead. Miraculously he was still alive.

Nearby soldiers came to Vianney’s assistance, and he was rushed to hospital. However his body was a mess, and his lower jaw had been completely shot away.

Today Vianney survives but his injuries are horrendous. Apart from the injuries to his body, including a smashed femur, shortened leg, etc, as he has no lower jaw he is unable to eat any solids, and has to hold his head back to prevent saliva running down his front. He is in constant pain, and has difficulty walking and talking, yet still has to earn a living for his family.

Fiona is working on finding surgeons in Australia who could reconstruct his jaw. If successful in this search she will arrange to bring him to Australia for whatever period is required for the surgery and recovery.

At this stage we can only imagine the cost, and so any donation would be welcome. Your donation would be securely managed through World Relief Australia by following the “donate now” button and putting “Vianney” in the comments field.

Should the donations be oversubscribed, any surplus would be used for the Mobile Health Service in Burundi.

Thank you