Recent reports from Amnesty International have shed light on the horrific reality of sexual violence against women in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), alongside fighters from the terrorist group FDLR and other militias within the pro-government Wazalendo coalition, have been accused of committing widespread sexual violence, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.
Disturbing Accounts of Abuse
A report released on August 20, 2025, documents multiple cases of rape and abuse, revealing the brutal experiences of women caught in the crossfire of ongoing conflict. One harrowing account comes from a 40-year-old woman who was stopped by ten Wazalendo fighters while traveling in late March. She recounted, “I was terrified. I kept begging them, ‘Please, forgive me.’ They refused. Six of them dragged me into the forest while four stayed in the vehicle. They tore off my clothes, tied me up, and raped me.”
This woman described the horrific ordeal in detail, explaining how her hands were tied to trees, and she was forced to kneel before being assaulted. “All six of them raped me, one after another,” she said. After the attack, she was abandoned but later rescued by passersby who took her to the hospital. Although she received medical treatment and returned to work, she continues to suffer from physical pain as a result of the assault.
The Plight of Women in Conflict Zones
Another survivor, a mother of four living in a camp in southern Masisi territory, shared her traumatic experience from January 2024. While gathering food for her children, she was captured by three fighters from APCLS, a militia allied with the FDLR. “They told me if I tried to run, they would shoot me. One said, ‘Instead of killing her, let us use her body,’” she recalled. Faced with the threat to her children’s safety, she felt she had no choice but to endure the assault.
After the attack, the fighters warned her to remain silent about the incident, threatening to kill her if they saw her again. “What I wish is that they too may one day suffer what I went through. Only God knows the punishment they deserve,” she expressed, highlighting the deep emotional scars left by such violence.
The Broader Context of Violence in Eastern DRC
In North Kivu, another woman, referred to as “Safia” for her safety, encountered armed men while collecting cassava leaves. She described them as filthy and poorly dressed, accusing her of collaborating with the M23 group, which led to her being raped. “When they finished, I was left naked. I hid, waiting for someone to pass by and give me something to cover myself so I could return home,” she said. The aftermath of the assault left her ostracized by her community, and even her husband abandoned her due to the stigma associated with sexual violence.
The situation escalated in February 2025, as M23 fighters advanced towards Bukavu. During this turmoil, FARDC soldiers reportedly committed further atrocities. A 28-year-old woman from Bukavu recounted a terrifying night when soldiers forcefully entered her home, beat her husband, and then raped her despite her pleas, stating, “I am pregnant.” The soldiers showed no regard for her condition, illustrating the complete disregard for human rights in the ongoing conflict.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
In light of these horrific accounts, families of the victims are calling on the DRC government to investigate the FARDC officers implicated in these war crimes and gross human rights violations. “The time has come for President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC to honor his pledge of justice and accountability,” they urged. They demand that those responsible for these crimes face prosecution, while others involved in the conflict should be reintegrated into civilian life.
Conclusion: The Need for Action
The reports of sexual violence in eastern Congo are a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the urgent need for action. As the international community looks on, it is imperative that the DRC government takes decisive steps to address these atrocities, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure that justice is served for the victims of such heinous acts. The voices of survivors must be amplified, and their stories must lead to meaningful change in a region plagued by violence and impunity.
