Title: Burundian soldiers accused of rape in the DRC: an alarming climate of impunity
Introduction: The accusation of acts of rape by Burundian soldiers in the DRC highlights a delicate and worrying subject. The Initiative for Human Rights in Burundi (IDHB) recently published a report which highlights the numerous violations committed by the Burundian military in the South Kivu region. These allegations highlight a persistent climate of impunity and call for concrete actions to end it.
Acts of rape perpetrated by the Burundian army in the DRC
According to the IDHB report, Burundian soldiers allegedly committed acts of rape in the South Kivu region, where they have been carrying out operations since the end of 2021. The victims’ testimonies collected by the NGO confirm the responsibility of the Burundian military in these crimes. The victims claim that the perpetrators wore the uniform of the Burundian army, spoke Kirundi and were even recognized by some people.
A climate of impunity that persists
The IDHB also denounces the feeling of impunity which reigns among the Burundian soldiers. Some commanders involved in these human rights violations in Burundi now hold important positions within the Burundian army. This is the case of Igniace Sibomana, currently deputy commander of the Burundi land force, who has even been the subject of sanctions by the United States. This near-total impunity raises serious concerns about the ability of international actors to support the Burundian armed forces without demanding concrete measures to end these violations.
Actions to take to put an end to this violence
Faced with these serious allegations, it is crucial that the international community take firm and effective measures to put an end to this violence. It is essential to impose clear conditions on any support given to the Burundian armed forces in order to ensure the punishment of those responsible and prevent future human rights violations.
Conclusion: The accusations of rape committed by the Burundian army in the DRC underline the urgency of putting an end to this persistent impunity. International actions must aim to support measures taken to investigate, sanction and prevent such acts. The protection of human rights and the fight against impunity must remain absolute priorities to guarantee justice and security in the region.