Alarming Rise in Child Sexual Violence Reported in Eastern Congo

A recent report from UNICEF reveals a dramatic surge in cases of sexual violence against children in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, driven by escalating ethnic tensions and fighting over resources. Over 170 cases were recorded in one week alone, as armed groups continue to wreak havoc across the region.

In a shocking development, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) reported a significant rise in sexual violence against children in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as of February 14, 2025. The report shed light on the grim reality children face amid ongoing armed conflicts fueled by ethnic tensions and competition for land and mineral resources. During a single week, from January 27 to February 2, health care facilities in Goma, along with surrounding areas, documented an alarming 170 cases of child rape—a stark increase compared to an average of 95 cases in preceding weeks.

Lianne Gutcher, UNICEF’s communication chief for Congo, revealed that the total number of reported rapes during this week ballooned to 572, with armed men from various factions committing these horrific acts. Complementarily, the organization Save the Children corroborated UNICEF's findings, noting a similar rise in child victimization across eastern Congo.

The escalating violence is attributed to rebel forces, particularly the M23 group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, which have rapidly taken control of vast territories. Their recent capture of Goma, a city of three million along the Rwandan border, has displaced over half a million residents and created significant humanitarian crisis in the region. While Rwanda’s president has denied claims of military support for the rebels, the latter justify their actions by claiming to protect ethnic Tutsis—the minority group heavily impacted during the 1994 genocide.

UNICEF's executive director, Catherine Russell, expressed deep concern over the horrific reports emerging from North and South Kivu provinces, indicating that the levels of sexual violence against children are unprecedented. Medical facilities in the region are struggling with shortages of essential drugs to prevent HIV infection for survivors of assault. Save the Children reported particularly distressing incidents, including the systematic rape of six daughters of one mother, the youngest being just 12 years old.

While leaders of the rebel group have promised to restore order to the zones they control, the humanitarian implications present urgent challenges. The sustained and systematic abuse against children indicates a dire need for immediate intervention and greater international attention on the ongoing crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.