Recent testimonies from human rights activists have highlighted a disturbing situation in Mungwalu, Ituri, where numerous Pygmy women have fallen victim to sexual violence perpetrated by armed men from various militia groups operating in the region. The alarming reports from Ladjo Galay since the beginning of 2024 shed light on a dark and unacceptable reality that violates the dignity of the victims.
The perpetrators take advantage of the vulnerability of Pygmy women, subjecting them to degrading acts and unimaginable violence. These women are forcibly abducted from the forest as they return from their daily activities, illustrating the lack of state authority in the area and the impunity enjoyed by the criminals.
Ruth Biwaga, the head of the Gender Office in Djugu, has strongly condemned these atrocities and called for urgent government intervention to protect these vulnerable women and restore peace in the region. The increasing number of cases of sexual violence in Djugu over the years underscores the devastating impact of armed groups on the civilian population, particularly on Pygmy women.
Concrete actions need to be taken to end these human rights violations and ensure the safety of Pygmy women in Mungwalu. Justice must prevail, and the perpetrators of these heinous acts must be held accountable. It is imperative to restore state authority in the region to ensure peace and security for all residents, especially the women who are the primary victims of these barbaric crimes.
For more information on this topic, please visit the following links:
– The Burning Challenges of Armed Conflicts in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo
– External article link on the same subject