I am alarmed by the increasing incidents of rape and violent attacks targeting civilians in the Kivu Provinces of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in the context of the ongoing conflict in the area.
UN sources report that uniformed gunmen carried out attacks and rapes in Goma town as well as in the Mugunga Camp, home to 35,000 internally displaced persons ten kilometers west of Goma. A number of cases of rape were also reported in Kamamba in North Kivu, and Minova, in the northernmost part of South Kivu Province. Residents of Goma and surrounding towns live in a state of fear, uncertainty and insecurity, due to the activities of arms-bearing men.
I strongly condemn these acts of sexual violence and other human rights abuses that continue to occur as the violence in the Kivus escalates. Elements of the FARDC, the DRC’s national army, as well as the M23, FDLR, and other rebel groups, are all liable for these crimes. Sexual violence should not be used by any party to the conflict to retaliate against innocent civilians for their perceived political affiliations or sympathies.
Sexual assault only serves to fuel a vicious cycle of attacks and reprisals, and hinders reconciliation and the restoration of security. We urge the Government to take immediate measures to investigate, prosecute and punish perpetrators of sexual violence, including rape. Should they fail to do so, the international community will hold the leaders of the various armed groups and members of the national security forces accountable for their crimes.
My Office is committed to further strengthening our assistance to the Government of the DRC to ensure that this terrible scourge is eradicated, that perpetrators are punished, and that victims receive the support and services they need.