Doctors Without Borders has sounded the alarm on the ‘unprecedented’ levels of sexual violence occurring in Congo, as reported by The Independent. The aid group revealed that the majority of these horrific incidents took place in the eastern part of the country, with armed groups vying for power being identified as the perpetrators of these crimes.
In a shocking revelation, Doctors Without Borders disclosed that they treated over 25,000 victims and survivors of sexual violence in Congo last year, equating to more than two victims every hour. This staggering figure is described as “by far” the highest number ever recorded in Congo, according to the group’s report. Most of the victims received treatment in displacement camps near Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu in the east of the country.
Christopher Mambula, the program manager for Doctors Without Borders in Congo, highlighted that based on patient testimonies, approximately two-thirds of the victims were assaulted at gunpoint. Eastern Congo has been plagued by armed violence, with over 120 armed groups engaged in power struggles, land disputes, and the exploitation of valuable mineral resources, leading to mass displacements in the region.
Allegations have been made by Congo against neighbouring Rwanda, accusing them of aggression and war crimes in the area. Rwanda has refuted these claims but admitted to having troops and missile systems in eastern Congo in an effort to protect its security interests, amidst a buildup of Congolese forces near the border.
One of the rebel groups causing unrest is the M23, comprising mainly of ethnic Tutsis, which split from the Congolese army a decade ago. Recent reports from Human Rights Watch have revealed atrocities committed by both Rwandan and Congolese armed forces against displacement camp residents, including killings and sexual violence. The dire living conditions in these camps have exacerbated the issue, as per Doctors Without Borders’ report.
The charity noted a surge in sexual assaults this year, treating over 17,000 victims and survivors between January and May in North Kivu province alone. The situation remains grave, with a pressing need for a comprehensive response to address the root causes of sexual violence in Congo.