Senegal, Dakar (AP) – United Nations Children’s Fund on Thursday Armed men on both sides of the conflict in the eastern Congorape children’s scores over the past few weeks Rebels spread their footprints And then pushes out government forces.
The accusations have arisen as conflict in mineral-rich regions showed no signs of easing. UNICEF cited reports of abuse, saying that the criminals clearly came from both the M23 rebels and the government forces fighting them.
“North and Southern Kivu provinces have received horrific reports of serious violations of children by political parties in conflict, including rape and other forms of sexual violence that have exceeded what we have seen in recent years,” he said in a statement.
“One mother told staff that six youngest daughters, just 12 years old, were systematically raped by an armed man while searching for food,” Russell added.
RECTIVE Regional Healthcare facilities reported a total of 572 rape cases for the week from January 27th to February 2nd. This is more than five times more than a week ago, Congo’s UNICEF communications chief Lianne Gutcher told The Associated Press.
Of those, 170 people who received treatment were children, she added.
The armed men committed rape, but it was unclear what particular armed groups or military they belonged to, Gatcher said. “All parties to the conflict are suspected of committing sexual violence,” she added.
Rwanda-backed M23 Rebels Most notably of more than 100 armed groups, the contested for the eastern rule, rich in Congolese minerals, amid decades of conflict that created one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises. Masu. In late January, rebels captured Goma, the region’s largest city, in a massive escalation of combat.
Last week, the United Nations Human Rights Council A committee has been established to investigate atrocitiesincluding rape and murder, similar to the “summary executions” committed by both the Congolese forces and the M23 rebels since the beginning of the year.
on monday, 84 Congolese soldiers accused of murder, rape and other crimes In the east of the country, he was brought to trial in Bukabu city. The city is under government forces, but rebel attacks have been approaching it recently.
Meanwhile, Congolese Health Minister Roger Kamba said 143 patients who were undergoing MPOX treatment had fled from hospitals in Goma as rebels were forced into the city. Some have been discovered or returned by themselves, but 110 have not been returned.
The minister said the city has recorded almost 100 cases of cholera since the insurgent attacks began. Goma is now completely under the control of the Rebels.
Kamba added that with the help of aid groups, Congolese authorities were able to send vaccines, medical supplies and medicines to Sesame through humanitarian corridors through neighbouring Kenya and Rwanda. He did not provide details.
On Thursday, Congolese musician Delkat Aidengo was killed in sesame for what authorities described as “assassination.” Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya has condemned the death of “Rwanda and its accomplices.” The Associated Press was unable to independently examine the circumstances surrounding the death of an artist known for his politically charged songs.
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Associated Press writer Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report.
