Sexual violence surged amid war in DRC’s North Kivu last year: UN
Summary
A United Nations report revealed that over 17,000 cases of sexual violence were recorded in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, over five months last year during intense conflict. The violence involved the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels as they fought against Congolese forces. The report also highlighted the ongoing conflict's impact, with sexual violence cases more than doubling from the previous year.Key Facts
- Over 17,000 sexual violence cases were treated in North Kivu, DRC, from January to May last year.
- The conflict involved the Congolese forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
- Sexual violence included crimes like rape and sexual slavery.
- In total, 22,000 cases of sexual violence were recorded in 2023, doubling from the previous year.
- MONUSCO, a UN peacekeeping mission, had to narrow its operations because of the conflict.
- 198 cases of sexual violence were reportedly carried out by DRC state actors, such as the army.
- M23 rebels were linked to 152 cases of sexual violence.
- The reports indicate a connection between food insecurity and sexual violence, with many victims seeking food when attacked.
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