The situation of indigenous women in the Democratic Republic of Congo is causing growing concern within the international community. The recent statement from the Corporation of Indigenous Women of the DRC highlights the violence perpetrated against vulnerable populations, particularly indigenous Pygmy women and children. These inhumane acts and the recent bombings of displaced persons camps in Mugunga in North Kivu have caused deep trauma within these already vulnerable communities.
Ornireh Prescillia Kapupu, of the Federation of Indigenous Girls and Women in the DRC, vigorously denounced these atrocities to the press. She recalled the multiple episodes of violence and massacre that shook indigenous populations in different regions of the country. The cruelty of these acts is alarming, ranging from massacres in Vonkutu Walessa in Ituri to physical violence in Beni and Butembo in North Kivu, including acts of dehumanization in Mambasa and bombings in Mugunga. These recent events demonstrate an alarming deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the DRC, endangering the security and dignity of the most marginalized people.
Faced with this escalation of violence, the Corporation of Indigenous Women calls for international solidarity and the intervention of the United Nations Permanent Forum to put an end to these atrocities. It is crucial that the international community mobilizes to protect the fundamental human rights of indigenous populations in the DRC and guarantee their security and dignity. The Congolese authorities must also take concrete and effective measures to ensure the protection of these vulnerable communities and put an end to the impunity of the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
In these times of crisis and conflict, it is essential that the voices of indigenous women are heard and that their rights are respected. They are the first victims of this violence and their courage and resilience deserve to be recognized and supported. It is time for the international community to stand up together against these atrocities and work together to establish lasting peace in the DRC, based on respect for the rights of everyone, regardless of ethnic origin or gender.