GOMA, DR CONGO – A devastating report from the United Nations has revealed a shocking escalation in sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with a child being sexually abused every 30 minutes. In just two months of intense fighting, nearly 10,000 cases of sexual violence were documented, with a staggering 45% of those cases involving children.
The UN has condemned these acts as not merely a “side effect of war,” but a “deliberate weapon” used to terrorize and subjugate populations. This horrific surge in violence coincides with the advance of the M23 rebels, who seized control of key cities like Goma and Bukavu, displacing tens of thousands and plunging the region into further chaos.
UNICEF has expressed grave concern that the reported figures represent only a fraction of the true extent of the crisis. Fear, stigma, and a pervasive culture of silence are believed to be concealing countless other cases, leaving survivors without access to vital care and support. Furthermore, the vast majority of perpetrators remain unpunished, perpetuating a cycle of impunity.
The humanitarian crisis unfolding in the DRC is compounded by the ongoing conflict and mass displacement, creating a perfect storm of vulnerability for women and children. The region’s instability has also attracted international attention for its vast reserves of cobalt and lithium, crucial minerals for the global tech and energy industries.
Amidst the turmoil, the United States is reportedly engaging in talks with the DRC government to secure access to these vital resources. These discussions involve potential agreements that would grant US companies preferential access in exchange for security assistance. Critics express concern that these deals may prioritize resource acquisition over addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis and the rampant sexual violence devastating the region.
The international community is now facing increasing pressure to address the urgent need for protection and support for survivors of sexual violence in the DRC, while also navigating the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the nation’s valuable mineral wealth.
