Title: Fight against sexual violence in the DRC: Prosecution of soldiers and police before the Bukavu garrison military tribunal
Introduction :
In a society plagued by widespread sexual violence, it is encouraging to note that measures are being taken to combat this scourge in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Bukavu Garrison Military Court is no exception, where two soldiers and a policeman are currently being prosecuted for alleged rapes. These serious cases highlight the need to put in place concrete measures to protect the victims and punish the perpetrators of these heinous acts. In this article, we will bring you an overview of these ongoing trials and discuss the importance of strengthening the fight against sexual violence in the DRC.
Development :
The Bukavu garrison military court has opened a trial in a mobile court at the city’s central prison, indicting a soldier and a police officer for alleged rapes. The first case concerns the rape of a 3-year-old child in a military camp in Bukavu, while the second case concerns a police officer accused of abusing a 21-year-old woman during voter registration operations in Minova. , territory of Kalehe.
In the first case, the soldier would have convinced his victim to go to his office by promising to help him obtain his voter’s card, given the large crowds in the offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) . However, once alone with her, he would have tried to rape her.
In the second case, the police officer allegedly took advantage of his position of power as a police officer to abuse a 21-year-old woman. The voter registration operations were used as an opportunity by this individual to commit his wrongdoing.
These cases show the extent of the problem of sexual violence in the DRC and underline the vulnerability of women and children in the face of this abuse. It is alarming to note that even in sensitive contexts such as electoral operations or military camps, victims remain exposed to such acts.
The Bukavu Garrison Military Court has called on human rights organizations to strengthen the protection of the female victim of the policeman, who is currently living under threats. This request highlights the need to put in place measures to protect victims throughout the legal process and beyond.
Conclusion :
Ongoing trials before the Bukavu Garrison Military Tribunal for alleged rapes perpetrated by soldiers and police in the DRC underscore the critical need to combat sexual violence in the country. It is essential to strengthen measures to protect and support victims, while ensuring that the perpetrators of these horrific crimes are held to account. The DRC must continue to work on awareness-raising, education and the implementation of policies that allow a real fight against sexual violence and the impunity that persists