DAKAR, Senegal—The UN children’s fund on Thursday accused armed men, likely on both sides of the conflict in eastern Congo, of raping scores of children over the past weeks as rebels expand their footprint and push government forces out.
The accusation came as the conflict in the mineral-rich region shows no signs of abating. UNICEF cited reports of the abuses, saying the offenders were apparently from among both the M23 rebels and the government forces fighting them.
Health facilities in the restive region reported during the week from January 27 to February 2 a total of 572 rape cases—more than a fivefold increase compared to the week before, Lianne Gutcher, UNICEF’s communication chief in Congo, told The Associated Press.Armed men perpetrated the rapes but it was unclear what specific armed group or army they belonged to, Gutcher said. “It is suspected that all parties to the conflict committed sexual violence,” she added.
On Monday, 84 Congolese soldiers accused of murder, rape and other crimes in the country’s east went on trial in the city of Bukavu. The city is under the control of government forces but the rebel offensive has inched closer to it recently.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump’s aid freeze wreaks havoc on Africa’s critical aid programs | Gerald Imray, Mogomotsi Magome, Farai Mutsaka & Mark BanchereauJOHANNESBURG—Four days after President Donald Trump signed an executive order freezing almost all US foreign aid, an e-mail landed in Claris Madhuku’s inbox in rural Zimbabwe. Stop all activities immediately, it said.
Read more »
UNICEF Urges Strong Regulation to Protect Child Health in the PhilippinesUNICEF emphasizes the need for robust regulation of products intended for child consumption, particularly breast milk substitutes, to safeguard their health. The organization highlights the critical role of agencies like the FDA in ensuring these products meet high safety standards. The Philippines faces a severe nutrition crisis, with one in four children suffering from malnutrition, making this issue even more urgent.
Read more »
FDA oversight essential to safeguard child health, nutrition — UNICEFGovernment agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have been urged to strengthen regulation and coordination to ensure that consumer products, particularly those intended for children, remain safe.
Read more »
M23 Rebel Clashes in Eastern Congo Leave Dozens DeadFighting between M23 rebels and Congolese forces has intensified, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers. The clashes, which have seen the M23 encircle the eastern city of Goma, have prompted an emergency meeting at the UN Security Council.
Read more »
At Least 13 Peacekeepers, Soldiers Dead in Congo FightingM23 rebels have made significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, encircling the city of Goma. Fighting has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers, prompting an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.
Read more »
Rwanda-backed rebels enter outskirts of strategic city in what Congo calls 'declaration of war'GOMA, Congo (AP) — Rwanda-backed rebels entered the outskirts of eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, on Sunday, causing what the United Nations called “mass panic” among its 2 million people and leading Congo’s government to call it a “declaration of war.
Read more »