By Faith Nyasuguta
The United Nations has raised concerns about the rampant systematic sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
It says there have been growing reports of armed groups executing mass rape as they fight for goldmines.
The UN refugee agency, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that its staffers had listened to horrendous testimonies from victims that were forcibly displaced in south-eastern Tanganyika province.
“The agency is gravely concerned about incidents of widespread and systematic sexual violence against Congolese women and girls” Shabia Mantoo, the UNHCR spokesperson said.
“In just the past two weeks, humanitarian partners in the Kongolo and Mbulula health zones have recorded 243 incidents of rape, 48 of which involved minors, in 12 different villages,” Mantoo confirmed.
It is however believed that the real number of rape incidents is way higher since the reporting of gender-based violence is taboo in several communities.
“The attacks are reportedly being carried out by rival armed groups competing to maintain control over mining areas – especially goldmines – and as retaliation against government-led military operations,” Mantoo said.
“Civilians find themselves trapped in the middle of intense confrontations between different groups. Our staff has heard horrific testimonies of extreme violence. Forcibly displaced persons have accused armed groups of carrying out mass rape as women attempt to flee their homes.”
Mantoo revealed that some women and girls had been abducted and raped, with kidnappers demanding ransom from families in exchange for their freedom.
UN estimates show that about 310,000 people have been shaken by insecurity and violence and they remain displaced in Tanganyika province.
Mantoo confirmed that over 23,000 people had been displaced starting May, in the province’s northern Kongolo area alone, according to local authorities.
Most of those displaced reported having fled insecurity severally.
