Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) - “Before this inhumane and unjust situation that continues to exist in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo and that is marked by all kinds of violence, repeated cases of sexual abuses, and by the total lack of respect for the lives of our brothers and sisters, we, the Major Superiors of the religious congregations working in the Province of Katanga, cannot remain silent,” Agenzia Fides was told in a statement made by the leaders of the religious Congregations that work in the province, which is located in the eastern part of Congo.
In spite of the peace agreement that was signed in 2003 and the elections of 2006, eastern Congo is continually plagued by the presence of gangs and armed groups. The cost is paid by its civilians. In particular, sexual violence has escalated, reaching alarming rates and is considered by many experts to be the real weapon in this war that obliges the people to leave the land they live on.
In their statement, the leaders of the religious Congregations affirm that the cases of sexual violence are so “alarming and outnumbered that they constitute a tragedy that is similar to an ‘epidemic,’ whose extermination should be a concern for everyone.”
In the face of this tragedy, the religious superiors “regretfully inform that not only are a majority of the crimes left unpunished, but those who commit them do so without any fear of the consequences. We deplore the culpable indifference, both on the part of the civil authorities, as well as on the part of the international community, in the midst of one of the worst catastrophes in the history of humanity.”
“The situation has already passed the limit: what will tomorrow bring? The people of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo demand justice: it is inhumane to continue turning a deaf ear to their cry of pain.”
The major superiors recognize the work of “numerous non-governmental organizations, of social groups, and health care centers that offer an admirable service, that is frequently gratuitous, to a large number of the victims. The Church herself has also created various entities that receive, assist and guide these people.”
In the document, they affirm the fact that “it seems clear, by the judgements of more than one expert, that the sexual violence has converted in a terrible weapon used to annihilate an entire population. Given the impunity enjoyed by the criminals who commit these acts, we are wondering if this practice may not be consciously desired and funded by persons in search of power or, perhaps, by internal and external forces whose intentions remain hidden.”
The superiors of the religious Congregations propose some recommendations in facing the situation: application of the articles of Constitution intended to extend peace to the entire national territory and that guarantee the people’s security; reform and activation of the judicial system; juridical and cultural reforms, so that the woman may not be considered inferior to her own husband; creation of governmental institutions that care for the victims; and rigid law enforcement for criminals indicted for sexual crimes. (LM) (Agenzia Fides 4/3/2008 righe 41, parole 517)
