Congolese soldiers hunting militias accused of rapes

By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo (AA) - Seventeen women have been raped in recent days by government soldiers, UN Radio reported Monday.

The attacks, in which women were allegedly gang raped in Salamabila in the eastern province of Maniema, occurred over the last two weeks, the UN service said.

The claims were supported by local leaders and some of the victims.

"The perpetrators of these rapes are FARDC [Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo] soldiers who came to the area to hunt down the Mai-Mai militia," a provincial official said in a statement. "They have raped 17 women."

One victim said she was raped by soldiers who broke into her family home on Saturday. "They beat me up when I tried to shout for help," she said.

A Salamabila resident added: "The latest rape victim is an eight-month pregnant woman. A group of armed men entered a house… and raped her. She is in serious condition in the hospital."

Lt. Pascal Kayembe, an army spokesman in Maniema, said no official complaints had been received and suggested the perpetrators could have been militants disguised as soldiers.

"We are going to investigate the allegations and those found guilty will be severely punished," he told Anadolu Agency.

The Congolese military is targeting Mai-Mai militias in the east of the country. The militants have been condemned for their human rights abuses, including the use of child soldiers, torture and rape.

The FARDC has a record of poor discipline and has previously been accused of human rights, including looting and the "taxing" of civilians.