624 minors raped in Democratic Republic of Congo's Kasai-Central in 2021

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - The rape of more than 600 minors has been recorded in three health zones in Kasai-Central in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the beginning of 2021, according to UN radio on Monday.

The Africa Zone League for the Rights of Children and Students (LIZADEL), an NGO, reported 624 minors were raped following a study as part of the Humanitarian Fund project.

LIZADEL coordinator Jean-Malhis Lungala said holistic and legal care is already being considered for victims. He said his organization has opened a center and placed staff to welcome victims of sexual abuse.

“We opened what we call the integrated center of multi-sectoral services in which we placed a psychosocial assistant to welcome any person who was a victim of sexual abuse,” he said. “We also have a lawyer and a psychologist to ensure their medical care.”

Lungala said those responsible for raping minors are mainly neighbors.

“The age range of the minors varies between 11 and 17 years old. Those responsible for the raping are mostly civilians, generally neighbors, especially people near water sources where the girls go to draw water. We have known a case of two police officers who also raped minors but they have fled,” he said.

A security officer, Lieut. Peter Lingalinga, said it is common for minors to be raped in the province but all is being done to bring the vice to an end. He advised parents to always guard their daughters.

“It is unfortunate that such a big number of minors have been raped. There is a need to arrest all those who rape underage girls. The police should ensure that all those responsible are arrested,” according to Ambrose Longwa, Commissioner for Children’s Affairs.