UNICEF Reports Alarming Rise in Child Sexual Violence in Eastern DRC; Unknown Disease Kills 50

Scores of children in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are facing unprecedented levels of sexual violence, including rape, amid escalating conflict involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces, Al Jazeera reported.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted a surge in grave violations against children, with reports indicating that children as young as 12 are being coerced into joining armed groups.

In North and South Kivu provinces, the number of reported rape cases treated in health facilities increased five-fold within a week, with 30% of victims being children. Russell shared harrowing accounts, including one mother whose six daughters were systematically raped while searching for food.

UNICEF’s communication chief noted that all parties to the conflict are suspected of committing acts of sexual violence. The agency is urgently calling for an end to these violations, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable children amidst the ongoing turmoil in the region.

In the meantime, an unidentified disease has resulted in over 50 deaths in the Bansakusu territory of western Equateur province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Symptoms include hemorrhagic fever and headaches. Approximately 2,000 people have fled the area, prompting concerns from local authorities about the overwhelming health crisis.